Suied wins another race, Lady Tigers place third

Placing first in the 5K run for the second time in three races, Cowley College sophomore Lubna Suied helped the top-ranked Lady Tiger cross country team place third out of seven teams at the Red Devil Duals held Saturday in Iola, KS.

Suied's time of 19:09.12 in the 3.1 mile-race was nearly a minute ahead of second place finisher Louise Cocking (20:02.61) of Hutchinson Community College. Suied was one of only five Cowley runners to compete as the squad did not run at full strength.

"We were just glad to compete and get another meet under our belt," Cowley head coach Cameron Rieth said. "Lubna's time doesn't show how well she actually ran because she was all by herself at the front of the race."

Lady Tiger freshman Karissa Glover also ran well as she placed eighth with a time of 20:28.20, while sophomore Zinara Lesley was not far behind in 12^th place with a time of 20:51.71.

Other Cowley runners at the meet were Paula Viciano-Cansino (22:11.75) and Karstyn Nolan (24:20.93). 

"We have got a lot of bumps and bruises going on with the squad, but hope to have sophomore Megan Reynolds back to compete soon for the first time this year," Rieth said.

Reith hopes to also have both the No. 1-ranked NJCAA Division II men and women's teams able to compete at the Bethel Invitational Friday in Newton, KS.

"Our men's team needs to handle themselves a little better outside of practice and make sure we are staying on top of things so they can return to action," Rieth said.

Team scores: (1) Dodge City, 58; (2) Hutchinson, 59; (3) Cowley, 68; (4) Butler, 78; (5) Cottey College, 92; (6) Fort Scott, 134; (7) Coffeyville, 174.