Karen Ziga takes first at Philly Metro;

Sept. 25, 2006

Powered by another outstanding performance by senior Karen Ziga and some solid depth, Keith Dieterle's women's cross country team captured the championship at the Philly Metro Cross Country Invitational Saturday.

Ziga turned in a time of 19 minutes, 35 seconds, easily outdistancing second place Caroly Roberts of Cabrini, who ran a 20:18 in the 5K race.

Depth was again a major reason for the solid finish, as Meredith Janeczek was fifth overall with a 20:52, Katie Byrne took seventh in 20:56.35 and Colette Buchanan and Maggie Selzer rounded out the top five finishing 11th and 12th respectively.

Buchanan ran a 21:17:01, while Selzer crossed the line in 21:17.56.

The men had a solid day as well, finishing only behind Stockton University in the 15-team event.

Pavel Marosin was the top finisher - taking 11th in 28:47.32 in the 8000-meter race. Close behind him were teammates Franklin Dekker (14th in 28:57.65), Harrison Miller (17th in 29:18.41), Matt Oleska (22nd in 29:50.87) and Bryan Jennings (23rd in 29:52.74).