FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 23, 2000

MONMOUTH HARRIERS COMPETE AT CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth University’s men’s cross country squad finished in fifth place at the Central Connecticut State University Invitational at Stanley Quarter Park in New Britain, Conn., while the Hawks’ women’s team tied for ninth place.

The men posted 162 points and finished behind meet champion Columbia, Maine, New Hampshire and Marist. The Hawks bested Northeast Conference foes CCSU, Sacred Heart and Wagner.

The men were paced by Jason Santucci (Westminster, Md./Westminster) who finished in 21st place. Santucci completed the five-mile course in 26:46. Freshman Nick Pellegrino (Morganville, N.J./Marlboro) was the next Hawk to cross the finish line. Pellegrino placed 28th with a time of 26:55. Fellow freshman Brian Hoffman (Eatontown, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) was clocked at 27:12 and finished in 33rd place.

The women finished with 232 points and were tied with NEC rival Sacred Heart for ninth place in the 13-team field.

Amala Merritt (Neptune, N.J./Neptune) led the Hawks with a time of 18:51 to finish in 20th place. Tara Losito (Elmont, N.Y./Kellenburg Memorial) finished the 5-kilometer course in 19:09.

The Monmouth harriers continue their season next Saturday as they travel to Van Cortlandt Park in New York City for the Brother John "Paddy" Doyle Meet of Champions hosted by Iona College.

WOMEN’S TEAM RESULTS: 1. Columbia, 22; 2. New Hampshire, 100; 3. Vermont, 119; 4. Marist, 143; 5. Connecticut, 150; t-6. Colgate, 153; t-6. Maine, 153; 8. Central Connnecticut State, 212; t-9. MONMOUTH, 232; t-9. Sacred Heart, 232; 11. Wagner 262; 12. Siena, 346; 13. Hofstra, 362.

MONMOUTH WOMEN’S INDIVIDUAL RESULTS (159 runners): 21. Amala Merritt, 18:51; 33. Tara Losito, 19:09; 55. Kim Wolozen, 19:31; 69. Taryn Phelps, 19:46; 83. Marquita Hannibal, 20:02; 85. Lisa Flood, 20:07; 94. Jessica Pratt, 20:26; 95. Maryanne Nicks, 20:26; 96. Kandace Lueallen, 20:30; 100. Amy Werner, 20:31; 107. Lakei Chester, 20:39; 127. Melissa Saraiva, 21:24; 141. Nick Froehlich, 22:32.

MEN’S TEAM RESULTS: 1 Columbia, 38; 2. Maine, 40; 3. New Hampshire, 54; 4. Marist, 125; 5. MONMOUTH, 162; 6. Vermont, 183; 7. Colgate, 196; 8. Central Connecticut State, 231; 9. Sacred Heart, 260; 10. Hofstra, 293; 11. Wagner, 299; 12. Siena, 390.

MONMOUTH MEN’S INDIVIDUAL RESULTS (135 runners): 21. Jason Santucci, 26:46; 28. Nick Pellegrino, 26:55; 36. Brian Hoffman, 27:12; 49. Joe Daniels, 27:34; 50. Brad Bisinger, 27:34; 74. Paulo Oliviera, 28:15; 79. Curtis Akacki, 28:29; 102. Nick Klastava, 29:11; 111. Jason Rogerson, 29:40; 122. Justin Laurino, 30:21; 130. Justo Rodriguez.