Aug. 19, 2002

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - With six returning runners and a strong set of newcomers, the 2002-2003 women's cross country team is looking for its most successful season yet, after showing marked improvement last year under head coach Trent Sanderson. However, the team will face the challenge of making up for the loss of four valuable graduated seniors, as well as the loss of last year's top runner, Kristin Lubas.

Helping to overcome this deficit is a strong class of newcomers that gives the roster a level of depth it has never reached before. This large class of talented freshmen and one transfer student creates a bright future for the women's cross country team, for this year and beyond. After showing much promise during pre-season practices, freshmen Katie Purcell (Coraopolis, Pa.) and Cori Koch (Lutherville, Md.) seem to be poised to vie for top spots on this year's team. The speedy duo is also expected to be a competitive force in the ACC this season. Freshmen Allison Carney (Las Vegas, Nev.) and Becca Funk (Millersville, Md.) should also produce great performances that will help the team place well this season.

Guiding the young squad will be the leadership skills of three returning juniors. One of these juniors is Kim Smith (Glastonburg, Conn.), who competed in every meet last year and turned in a career-low time at the ACC Championships. Lora Stuzman (Petersburg, N.J.) is the second returning junior. Last year, Stutzman dramatically improved her time from the 2000 Maryland Invitational, and should continue to lower her times in 2002. Joining Smith and Stutzman is junior Lorna Dorland (Rockland, Maine), who had several impressive finishes in 2001, despite joining the team late in the season. This year, Dorland's fast times will benefit the team throughout the season.

The team's sophomore class is led by Bridget Baker (Elkridge, Md.) and Courtney Fiorovanti (Toms River, N.J). Both were very consistent competitors for the Terps last season, running in every meet. Working hard during the off-season, Fiorovanti is expected to turn in high individual finishes this season. Elizabeth Reda (Pleasant Valley, N.Y.) is another sophomore looking to step up her involvement in the upcoming season.

The women have worked hard during the off-season this year, which should fully prepare them for a competitive 2002 season. At the ACC Indoor Championships, the team scored higher than it has in the past four years. After breaking a three-year last-place finish streak at the ACC Championships last season, this year's squad is looking to raise its level of competition and achieve a regional ranking. If last year's improvement is any indication, this season holds much promise.

"The chemistry is there," said Sanderson of how the team is coming together. "Recruiting has gone well, and the outdoor season should be incredible."