Dalton State College’s Lady Roadrunners cross country team came away with a second place finish and plaque Friday during the inaugural Nooga at Night Invite, a 5-kilometer race.
During the race that took place just outside of Chattanooga at East Ridge, Tennessee’s Camp Jordan Park and was hosted by Dalton State, the Lady Roadrunners were outpaced only by Jefferson City, Tennessee’s Carson-Newman University.
Dalton State finished ahead of teams from Brenau University, Bryan College and Truett McConnell University, among others.
The Lady Roadrunners finished 10 points behind Carson-Newman with 48 points.
Dalton State freshman Lexy Lyon, a Northwest Whitfield High School graduate, finished fourth with a personal record time of 18 minutes and nine seconds.
A multi-sport athlete while at Northwest Whitfield, Lyon signed with Dalton State’s cross country and track programs in January. During her time on the Lady Bruins cross country team Lyon finished third in the Region 7-4A girls championships in 2023, and 22nd in the state.
Other personal records were set for Dalton State runners Friday evening, with each Lady Roadrunner finishing in the top half of the field.
That included freshman Kylie Gray, who placed fifth with a time of 18:19, and sophomore Haley Hartman, who finished 12th with a time of 19:15. Southeast Whitfield High School graduate Marlene Paez finished 13th with a time of 19:20, while sophomore Madison Todd finished 14th at 19:27.
Freshman runner and Dalton native Juliana Ruiz placed 27th with a time of 20:57 and Kayla Mattox finished 32nd at 21:38.
The Lady Roadrunners next travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, on Friday, Oct. 25, at 10:15 a.m. when they will take part in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Appalachian Challenge at Sequoyah Park.
Submitted by Dalton State College.