Oct. 1, 2009

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern is gearing up to defend its team title from a year ago at the 37th annual Sean Earl Lakefront Invitational hosted by Loyola (Chicago), one of the largest collegiate cross country meets in the nation. This year's women's 5K race is scheduled to get underway at Montrose Beach along Chicago's north lakefront on Saturday at 11:45 a.m.

Last season, the Wildcats bested a 32-team field at the Lakefront Invitational thanks to a sixth-place finish by then-senior Carly Brown and four top-25 finishers, helping Northwestern amass a meet-low 76 points. This year's squad will be counting on strong performances by freshmen Audrey Huth and Allegra Mayer, who have been the Wildcats' top finishers over the first three meets. Sophomore Hallie Busta, who has placed among NU's top four runners in every race this season, will also be looking to push the pace for Northwestern.

This is Northwestern's final meet of the season in the Chicagoland area. Parking for the event is available off of the Wilson Avenue exit east of Lake Shore Drive on the left-hand side. Results will be available both on NUsports.com as well as Loyola University's cross country page at the conclusion of the women's race.

LAST TIME OUT
Northwestern took part in the 24th annual Roy Griak Invitational hosted by Minnesota Saturday and came away with a 12th-place showing in the Jack Johnson Women's Gold 6K race. Freshman Audrey Huth led the Wildcat finishers for the first time in her career, crossing 36th overall with a time of 23:10. Sophomore Hallie Busta enjoyed her third straight solid performance, placing second among Wildcats and 48th overall in a field of 193 runners with a time of 23:35.