FRANKLIN, IN – In what turned out to be an emotionally tough day on the course, the Wilmington women's cross country team finished fifth at Franklin College's Sodexo Grizzly Invitational.

Junior Jenna Parlette (Miamisburg, OH/Miamisburg) was turning in an exceptional performance, leading by what head coach Ron Combs said was "at least 20 seconds" and 30 yards from the finish line, but she couldn't finish due to a medical condition.

The women's team with Parlette's first place finish would have placed second in the meet behind host Franklin.

Junior Tricia Steffen (Baltimore, OH/Liberty Union) was the top WC placer, finishing the race second in 19:58. Junior Veronica Burnam (New Richmond, OH/New Richmond) was 18th in 22:48, while junior Sarah Murphy (Salem, OH/West Liberty) finished the course in 23:45 – good for 29th place. The final two Wilmington placers were sophomore Mary Krebs (Kettering, OH/Alter) in 30th place with a time of 23:59 and freshman Stephanie Fetters (West Milton, OH/Milton Union), who was 36th with a time of 25:00.

Wilmington returns to the course Saturday when they compete at the Hanover Invitational.