DURHAM, N.C. - Both the men's and women's Duke cross country squads started the 2009 season on a strong note, winning a season-opening dual meet over N.C. Central on Tuesday. The men's team compiled 15 points, compared to 40 by the Eagles, while the women's team totaled 22 points to N.C. Central's 33.
The Blue Devil men's team placed all its competitors in the top seven with a trio of Duke rookies taking the top three spots. Freshman Mike Moverman completed the 4K race in 11:56 to claim the top spot, followed closely by classmates Jonathan Sanchez and Dominick Robinson in 11:57 and 11:58, respectively. Sophomores Guillermo Echarte (12:06) and Jonathan Chu (12:12), freshman Dan Schuchinsky (12:23) and sophomore Brendan Pierson (12:29) rounded out the top seven competitors to complete the Blue Devils' sweep.
On the women's side, N.C. Central's Desinia Johnson crossed the finish line in 15:35 for the first-place finish, but Duke swept the next four spots as freshman Sophia Zieman, junior Kristina Krasich and sophomores Amanda Truelove and Virginia Hine all completed the 4K race in 16:02. Junior Katie Apibunyopas finished in 17:22, good for eighth place.
The Duke cross country team returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 12 as the Blue Devils travel to James Madison for the JMU Invitational.
Men (Duke 15, NCCU 40)
1. Mike Moverman, Duke, 11:56
2. Jonathan Sanchez, Duke, 11:57
3. Dominick Robinson, Duke, 11:58
4. Guillermo Echarte, Duke, 12:06
5. Jonathan Chu, Duke, 12:12
6. Dan Schuchinsky, Duke, 12:23
7. Brendan Pierson, Duke, 12:29
8. James Kukat, NCCU, 13:04
9. Danny Allen, NCCU, 16:35
10. Charles Lindsay, NCCU, 16:49
Women (Duke 22, NCCU 33)
1. Desinia Johnson, NCCU, 15:35
2. Sophia Zieman, Duke, 16:02
Kristina Krasich, Duke, 16:02
Amanda Truelove, Duke, 16:02
Virginia Hine, Duke, 16:02
6. Ashley Cooke, NCCU, 16:04
7. Dreanna Wallace, NCCU, 16:05
8. Katie Apibunyopas, Duke, 17:22
9. Brittany Brown, NCCU, 19:29
10. Shedae Giles, NCCU, 20:00
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