Results

SAINT LEO, Fla. -- Slippery Rock University junior cross country standout Marianne Abdalah represented The Rock at the 2021 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships Saturday at the Abbey Course in Saint Leo, Florida. 

Abdalah, who was the first SRU female to run at the national meet since 2012, placed 83rd overall after covering the 6,000-meter course in 22:01.5. She was the highest placing finisher among all runners from the Atlantic Region, finishing 10 spots ahead of Charleston's top runner and 78 spots ahead of the next runner from a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference school.

She moved up nearly 20 places from the midway point in the race in a crowded field that saw 256 women start the race. 

"I'm really proud of Marianne for the way she competed this season in her first season at The Rock," said head coach John Papa, who coached his final cross country meet at SRU on Saturday. "She had a terrific season for us and we're excited to see what she can do on the track next."

Saturday marked the final competition of the cross country season for Slippery Rock. Abdalah will now join the rest of her teammates in preparing for the indoor track and field season, which opens the first weekend in December. 



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