California Baptist University
NCAA Division II Championship (6K)
Lancers Ready for Nationals
11/17/2017 8:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Cross Country & Track
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — For the second time in program history, both California Baptist University men's and women's cross country teams will compete at the NCAA Division II Championship Meet Saturday morning in Evansville, Ind., at Angel Mounds.
The University of Southern Indiana and the Evansville Sport Corporation will serve as the co-hosts of the championships. The women's race will begin at 5:15 a.m. Pacific, followed by the men's race at 6:30 a.m. Pacific.
For the women, No.1-ranked CBU is fresh off winning its first-ever West Region Championship just two weeks back and is now focused on bringing home a national championship, as well.
"The biggest thing for us is to just relax and have fun. If we do that, I think we'll have positive results," Coach Ben Gall said. "We're looking for a final team performance where everyone runs to their full potential, we haven't had that yet, but that's what I'm looking forward to the most."
No. 2-ranked Grand Valley State, a familiar foe to CBU, has won the championship five out of the last seven years, dating back to 2010. The Lancers, who lead all NCAA D-II with 199 points, defeated Grand Valley State back at the Lewis Crossover in early October and will see them one last time this Saturday, seeking a similar outcome.
Individually, both Anett Somogyi – who took second at the regional – and Emeline Delanis – who won the PacWest individual title – will look to lead the Lancers. Both competed last year, helping the Lancers grab their highest finish to date, taking ninth as a team.
For the men, No. 6 CBU is looking to build on its momentum, as the Lancers took second place at the West Region Championship, giving a talented No. 4-ranked Chico State team a run for its money. Last year, the Lancers took 15th as a team.
Looking to bring home their first-ever Division II Championship, the Lancers know they must bring the same energy from regionals, and get a collective effort from all seven guys.
"We're really looking for Jayden Emerson and Michael Lowrie to step up and have a big race," said Gall. "They've ran well all season and could really give us a boost this weekend."
CBU will also look to its top runner, McMarshall Hartzenburg to pace the Lancers. Throughout the season, the PacWest Runner and Freshman of the Year has led the the Lancers, with all of his finishes being inside the top-three.
"Our end result is wanting to win, we know we will see tough competition but we'll be prepared and we're all excited to compete this weekend," Gall said.
D-II Women's Championship: 7:15 a.m. PT | Live Results | Live Streaming | Course Map | List of qualifiers
D-II Men's Championship: 8:30 a.m. PT | Live Results | Live Streaming | Course Map | List of qualifiers
Players Mentioned
