Jeroski Earns Top Finish in Program History, Spartan Women Finish 18th at NCAA Championship

WAVERLY, Iowa – Case Western Reserve University senior Justine Jeroski (Murrysville, PA/Franklin) definitely saved her best for last. In her final cross country race as a Spartan, she placed 11th at the NCAA Division III Championship meet, becoming a three-time All-American and the top women's finisher in school history. Jeroski also was the top runner from an Ohio school as the Spartans placed 18th as a team.

Jeroski completed the 6k course in 21:28.6, the top time for any runner from the four Ohio schools represented. She bested rival runners Kim Chinn  (Baldwin-Wallace College) and Joanna Johnson (Oberlin College), who were 13th and 16th, respectively.

Junior Natalia Cabrera (Shaker Heights, OH/Shaker Heights) was the second Spartan to finish with a time of 22:30.9, good for 113th place. Sophomore Corin Bowen (Midland, MI/Bullock Creek) ran in third position for the Spartans, crossing the line 163rd in 22:54.6. Finishing right on her heels, senior Bettina Kaphingst (Lewiston, NY/Lewiston-Porter) turned in a time of 22:58.2 to score a 177th place finish. Senior Andrea Fischione (Export, PA/Franklin) rounded out the scoring for Case, securing 181st place with her time of 23:00.4.

Freshman Brooke Simpson (Solon, OH/Solon) and senior Cindy Spahn (Wildwood, MO/Ursuline) also ran in defense for Case, placing 196th and 229th, respectively.

Under head coach Kathy Lanese, the Spartan women have now made five consecutive trips to nationals. The team's highest finish of sixth place came during the 2007 season at St. Olaf College (MN).