Aug. 16, 2010

PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle women's cross country team, spearheaded this year by two All-Conference returnees, was picked to finish fourth in the conference based on voting conducted by the league's head coaches.

The Explorers finished fifth at last year's meet behind Top 15 and All-Conference performances by Caitlin Storbeck and Samantha Gallagher. The rising juniors once again look to lead the team to the top of the conference. Storbeck clocked a 14th place time of 20:32.3 on the rain-soaked 5K course while Gallagher ran a 20:34.1 for 15th.

Also returning is Meghan Lutz, who was the third Explorer finisher at the 2009 meet and finished in the conference's Top 30 as a redshirt freshman. Lutz finished fourth in the 10K at the outdoor A-10 championship in May, establishing herself among the league's top distance runners.

Dayton, which returns 2009 bronze medalist Maureen Bulgrin, is predicted to defend its title. Charlotte follows at number two, behind 2009 silver medalist Amanda Goetschius. Rounding out the top five are Richmond, La Salle and Duquesne. Running down the remainder of the predictions are: Massachusetts, Saint Joseph's, Xavier, George Washington, Saint Louis, Fordham, Rhode Island, Temple and St. Bonaventure.

The 2010 Atlantic 10 Championship is slated for Saturday, Oct. 30, at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pa.