A long summer of training has made the Lafayette women’s cross country team all the more ready to race again, starting tomorrow at the Lehigh Invitational.

First-year coach Jen Curran is excited for the meet to get underway.

“It’s the first meet so we are trying to just get our feet wet and get a feel for racing again,” Curran said. “This is a good meet for freshmen to get a feel for what it’s like to race in college.”

Returning for Lafayette are the top two finishers from the steeplechase in last year’s Patriot League Track and Field Championships – co-captain Rose Willey ‘14 and Steph Benko ‘16.

“I think they’ll be leading the pack this year,” Curran said.

Willey had a full summer of training consisting of running six days a week along with lifting. Her peak mileage hit 55 by summers end. She is optimistic for tomorrow.

“I think it will go well,” Willey said. “Since the NCAA regional meet is at Lehigh this year, there will be a few different teams that aren’t there. West Virginia is a very strong team and it’ll be good to go against them”.

Despite a few injuries to the freshmen class, the rest have been keeping up with the workouts.

“All of the hard work and dedication we’ve devoted towards our training will finally be put on display for everyone to see,” newcomer Alexa Deemer ‘17 said.