Oct. 30, 2005

When the women's cross country heads to Tallahassee, Fla. for the 28th annual Atlantic Coast Conference Championship on Monday, the Terps' objectives will be the same as they have at every meet this season - run hard, run smart and turn a few heads in the process.

Loaded with a cast of talented seniors, Maryland will look build on what can already be considered a breakout season. Senior Cori Koch and junior Laurel Jefferson have been the team's top two finishers at all four meets this season, guiding the Terps to several impressive showings including a fourth place finish at the Paul Short Invitational in Bethlehem, Pa. Following that performance the Terps cracked the national poll (No. 29), marking the first time they have been ranked in program history.

Maryland will also be getting back the services of Meghan Braffet, who has been out all year with a mild stress reaction in her tibia. The junior, who has been involved in cross training, was cleared last week to rejoin the squad. Coach Dr. Michael Garrison described the talented Braffett as a "wild card" at Monday's meet.

In spite of all the positive signs Maryland has shown thus far, Garrison knows the challenge ahead remains significant. "This is the deepest, toughest meet in the country and we're smack in the middle of it," he said. "We just want to get better."

Last season Maryland came in eighth at the 11-team meet. This season the ACC is tough as ever, with six teams currently ranked in the Top 25. The 2004 conference champion Duke Blue Devils figure to be a favorite to repeat. The top-ranked team in the nation, Duke has produced the individual champion in each of their races this season.

The women's 6k race will take place at 9:30 a.m. Monday, followed by the ACC awards ceremony.