Oct. 7, 2005

USC's women's cross country team will compete in its first 6K of the season on Saturday (Oct. 8) in the 14th annual UC San Diego Triton Cross Country Classic.

Head Coach Tom Walsh feels that this race is an excellent opportunity for the team to prepare for the Pac-10 Championship, which is also a 6K.

The Women of Troy will be led by juniors Kristen Berglas and Christina Eads. Senior Amber Oleson and sophomore Sara Fusco are also expected to compete. Since the Trojans will be competing with only four runners, they will be unable to qualify in the team competition.

"I expect Berglas will do well in this race," said Walsh. "Her speed has been improving and the flat course this week will be better for her than the hilly course at Pepperdine."

Berglas led the Trojans two weeks ago in the Pepperdine Invitational with a time of 18:53, finishing fifth in the meet.

Walsh said the Women of Troy have been improving in practice and he is anticipating that these improvements will transfer into competition soon.

"Eads is ready for a breakthrough in this race," said Walsh. "She has had some great training this past week and she will be racing in her hometown."

Senior captain Kate Neeper is being held out of this race to rest, but is expected to return to action in two weeks.

USC's next competition will be on Oct.21 at the Cal State Fullerton Meet, the last meet before they head to the Pac-10 Championship on Oct. 29 at Tucson, Ariz.