KERNERSVILLE, N.C. – Jessica Bailey was the top finisher for the Salem cross country unit at the VertCross Invitational, hosted by High Point University at Beeson Park on Friday, Oct. 18.
Bailey, who crossed the line 119th in a time of 26:36.27, posted the best finish and time for a Spirits unit that closed 19th overall with a combined time of 2:44:31.02.
Salem was one of 24 teams taking part in the event, which includes numerous NCAA Division I, Division II and Division III institutions from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Among the NCAA Division III teams competing included Guilford, Hollins, King, Roanoke, William Peace and the Spirits.
High Point's Famke Heinst earned top individual honors with a time of 21:12.73, edging out Caroline Inman (Charleston Southern) and teammate Zoe Geis. The host Panthers also captured the team title with five finishers in the Top-20. Wake Forest and Clemson finished second and third, respectively.
The duo of Lupita Uribe and Maria Ferrer closed out the 6k event in 151 and 152, respectively. Uribe finished with a time of 32:24.23, while Ferrer capped off the day with a mark of 32:24.32.
RoyseAnn Day posted the fourth-best time for Salem, crossing the line in 33:58.62, placing 159th. Mariana Rubio rounded out the Spirits team with a 164th-place finish after posting a time of 39:07.58.
The Spirits will have 15 days to prepare for the USA South Cross Country Championships which take place on Nov. 2 in Rocky Mount, N.C. on the campus of N.C. Wesleyan. For more information on Salem cross country check out www.salemspirits.com.
