Hawks Keep Improving at Steve Travis Invitational

West Allis, WI: The Hawks women's cross country team continued its rebuilding season at the 26th annual Steve Travis Invitational, hosted by Wisconsin Lutheran College on Saturday at Greenfield Park. Racing the 6k course through the wooded trails at 11 a.m., the Hawks delivered a solid individual effort in one of the Midwest's most traditional meets.

Leading the way for Harper was Amanda Albrecht, who finished 28th overall with a time of 26:21.1. Albrecht led the Hawks through the field and posted Harper's fastest time of the afternoon. Reflecting on her performance, Albrecht said the race went according to plan and brought an additional achievement.

"The race went just as I planned, and I also ended up getting a new 6k PR, which made it even better!"

Cecilia Puchalski followed for the Hawks, finishing 54th overall in 28:18.1. Puchalski continued to provide Harper with a strong second finish and helped keep the Hawks represented throughout the field.

When asked how she felt about her race, Puchalski explained that she struggled to find her rhythm before the race even began.

"I didn't feel good about the race because I was feeling some quad pain during the warm-up and days prior, and so I kinda psyched myself out before the race even started. I tried to get back into a good mindset, but it didn't really happen. But hopefully the next ones go better!"

Just behind Puchalski was Carly Bierman, who crossed the line in 55th overall with a time of 28:19.6. Bierman finished just 1.5 seconds behind her Harper teammate, giving the Hawks two runners across the finish line nearly together.

Looking ahead to what she would like to improve in her next race, Bierman said she wants to be more aggressive earlier in the race rather than waiting until the final stretch.

"I want to push myself in the middle of the race instead of waiting until the end to empty the tank."

The three Harper runners combined for a solid showing in the competitive women's field, with Albrecht leading the way while Puchalski and Bierman finished within two seconds of one another. The meet provided the Hawks with another opportunity to gain experience and continue building throughout the fall season.

The Hawks will return to action on Saturday, October 10, at the Gene Davis Invitational, hosted by Lawrence University at Reid Municipal Golf Course in Appleton, Wisconsin.

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Players Mentioned

Cecilia Puchalski: Freshman

Amanda Albrecht: Freshman

Carly Bierman: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Cecilia Puchalski
: Freshman

Amanda Albrecht
: Freshman

Carly Bierman
: Freshman