Hokie ClubValle Crucis, N.C.- Virginia Tech’s cross country squads swept the men’s and women’s races at the Highland Duel in Valle Crucis, N.C., Friday night, as senior Tasmin Fanning won the women’s race and junior Devin Cornwall placed first in the men’s competition. The meet was hosted by Queens University at Charlotte at McRae’s Meadow.
Fanning led the women’s team, finishing the three-mile race in 16:54 for her second victory in a row. The Charlottesville, Va., native won the Virginia Tech Alumni Invitational on Sept. 19.
Hokie runners claimed the next three places in the race. Senior Jessica Fanning earned second place with a time of 17:40, while junior Erin Reddan took third, followed by junior Natalie Kretzer in fourth. Reddan and Kretzer ran 17:50 and 17:55 respectively.
“We executed well and ran the race as a cut down,” Tech head coach Ben Thomas said. “Tasmin really brought it home the last mile. This meet made for a great workout for us as we get ready for the championship season."
On the men’s side, Cornwall ran the three-mile race in 15:12 to lead the field. Senior Billy Berlin and freshman Michael Hammond finished third and fourth respectively for Tech. Berlin crossed the line in 15:15, followed by Hammond at 15:17.
"The men had a nice pack with our top eight runners all being within 16 seconds of one another,” Thomas said. “Again, it was a nice workout for us and a good effort considering the high altitude here and a bit of a slow track.”
The Hokies will next compete at the Chile Pepper Invitational on Oct. 18 in Fayetteville, Ark.