Oct. 4, 2014 WASHINGTON - The Georgetown cross country program competed at the 2014 Paul Short Invitational today with the Hoyas turning in a runner-up performance in the women's race and a sixth-place finish in the men's race. Both Hoya squads competed with abbreviated rosters to prepare for the 2014 Pre-National Meet next weekend in Terre Haute, Ind., the first chance both teams will get to compete on the same course as the NCAA Championships in November.

"I'm really proud of our performance today," Head Women's Cross Country Coach Mike Smith said. "We rested some of our best runners and our depth really showed today. We were even able to defeat a sixth-ranked Florida State team."

The women's team, ranked fifth nationally by the U.S. Track & Field / Cross Country Association, finished second overall with a 127 behind a squad of All-American Madeline Chambers (Rocky River, Ohio/Magnificat) [14th;20:26], Haley Pierce (Wilmington, Del./Tatnall School) [22nd; 20:40], All-American Hannah Neczypor (North Royalton, Ohio/North Royalton) [28th; 20:53], Rachel Paul (Farmingville, N.Y./Sachem East) [29th; 20:55] and Kennedy Weisner (St. Mary's, Pa./Elk County Catholic) [34th; 21:01].

The men's team, also competing with an abridged roster, placed sixth among the squads. Stephen Kersh (Albuquerque, N.M./Sandia Prep/University of Portland) led the way for the Hoyas with a 33rd-place finish (24:32) followed by All-American Matt Howard (Blacksburg, Va./Blacksburg) [42nd; 24:41], Michael Lederhouse (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) [47th; 24:45], Austin Gregor (Chalfont, Pa./Central Bucks West) [48th; 24:47] and Silas Frantz (Henrico, Va./Douglas Freeman) [54th;24:51].

Georgetown returns to action on Saturday, October 11 at the 2014 Pre-National Meet in Terre Haute, Ind.