WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – After missing the opportunity to compete in the Southern Wesleyan Warrior Invitational last weekend, with the race being cancelled due to inclement weather, the Salem cross country team heads to Rocky Mount, N.C., to take part in the USA South Preview on Saturday, Sept. 21.

The women's 6k race, which will take place on the campus of host institution N.C. Wesleyan, was designed by Battling Bishop head coach Marshall Leonard. The race will feature USA South Conference members Averett, LaGrange, Mary Baldwin, Methodist, Meredith and host N.C. Wesleyan. Among the non-conference schools taking part, include Barton, Chowan, Mid-Atlantic Christian and St. Augustine's.

Salem began its season on Saturday, Sept. 7, in the Fleet Feet XC Invitational, hosted by Catawba. The Spirits, which finished with a combined time of 2:35.45 at the 5k event, were led individually by Jessica Bailey, who crossed the line 20th in a time of 22:32.1. She was just over three minutes off the pace established by individual winner Franziska Althaus (Wingate), who finished in a time of 18:41.2.

RoyseAnn Day enjoyed the second-best time (30:28.5) for the Spirits, finishing 70th. She was followed closely by Mariana Rubio (33:25.5), who closed in 76th, as well as Sydney Bowen (34:31.9; 79th), who came through with a time of 34:31.9.

Isabella Verdicchio, who completed the course in 34:47.0, finished off the first race of her collegiate career in 80th.

For more information on Salem cross country check out www.salemspirits.com.