17th-ranked harriers take on west coast

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The 17th-ranked University of Arkansas Lady Razorback cross country team may have started their season last weekend, but get their first test on Saturday morning when they compete at the 61st annual Aztec Invitational in San Diego, Calif. At Balboa Park.

While Arkansas’ first meet of the season was all about seeing what the newcomers and younger runners could do, the Lady Razorbacks add three seniors to this weekend’s competition in an attempt to see what their team can accomplish against a tough field that includes the host San Diego State, Northern Arizona, UNLV and Loyola Marymount. The Lady Razorbacks toe the line as one of 11 teams in the women’s invitational division of the competition which begins at 10:40 a.m. central.

“There are some good teams competing in San Diego,” Arkansas head coach Lance Harter said. “We up the level of competition in this meet and get a chance to see what we can do. This is another 5K course and should continue to ease us into the season and be good preparation for the bigger meets that we have coming up.”

The Lady Razorbacks bring 11 women to the Aztec Invitational in another opportunity to determine who gets to compete at the SEC, NCAA Regional and NCAA Championships in late October and November. One of the interesting sidebars to Saturday’s competition should be how freshman Christine Kalmer takes on her senior teammates. Kalmer looked tremendous in her opening meet victory last weekend and with added competition, she could produce even better results. Seniors Jessie Gordon, Laura Jakosky and Penny Splichal should give Kalmer a steady running partner which should help the young South African pace herself.

For more information about Lady Razorback cross country or about Arkansas women’s athletics, please go to www.ladybacks.com.