Purdue Fort Wayne
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Independent Championships
'Dons Take Second at Independent Championship
11/2/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Oct. 28, 2006
2006 Independent Championships Gallery 
Fort Wayne, IN -IPFW women's cross country ran a great race Saturday morning, placing second at the Independent Championships, despite wet and muddy conditions at Hefner Fields. The 'Dons fell short of the championship by just 3 points to South Dakota State.
IPFW was led by senior Ashley Ritchey (Leo, IN/Leo) who placed second in the race at 22:12.10 . Ritchey battled the whole race for first, but was eventually beaten out by champion Becka Mansheim of South Dakota State.
Also placing in the top ten for IPFW was freshman Mary Ballinger (Chesterton, IN, Chesterton) in eighth at 22:45.90.
Following Ballinger were the Martinez twins; Crystal Martinez finished 12th and Crystina Martinez (Valparaiso, IN/Wheeler) at 14th. Bringing up the rear for IPFW was junior Valerie Hardesty (Auburn, IN/DeKalb) finishing 22nd at 23:29.60.
The women's team returns to action on November 11, 2006 when they will travel to Bowling Green, OH for the NCAA Great Lakes Regional.
~Dons~
