Bellarmine Women Move Up to #14 in NCAA D2

LOUISVILLE, Ky. Bellarmine University Coach Kris Horton stated before the women's cross country season began that he believed the Knights contained more depth on their roster than they've had in the past couple of years.

That depth was on display Saturday at the Bluegrass Invitational in Lexington, Kentucky, and it's been noticed on a country-wide scale too as the Knights achieved a No. 14 national ranking in the USTFCCCA poll.

"We are excited at the progress and depth our women have shown in the early season," said Jim Vargo, Bellarmine's director of cross country and track and field. "To be recognized by the coaches for their achievements this season is always an honor."

Bellarmine edged No. 12 Southern Indiana for the team title in the season-opening Stegemoller Classic before delivering another strong showing at the Bluegrass Invitational.

The Knights' top five finishers -- senior Flannery Musk, freshman Karly Gawarecki, sophomore Erin Crone, sophomore Caitlin Carroll and senior Rachel Clemons -- all posted times that were within the program's all-time top 40 in the 5K entering the event.

"There is still a lot of running ahead and much to be decided," Vargo said. "We have to stay healthy, focused, committed to the team's goals and run well at the end of the season. This is a special group of women, and we are excited at the potential this season holds for them."

Bellarmine's women are ranked fourth in the Midwest Region, while the BU men are rated ninth. Neither team was ranked regionally in the preseason.