(September 13, 2008 - Bowling Green, Ohio) -- The conditions were less than ideal and the field was packed with some of the best Division I and Division II programs throughout the midwest, but neither was too daunting for the Concordia women's cross country team as they battled through to finish the race at the Mel Brodt Invitational at Bowling Green University in respectable fashion. Gwendolyn VanDerworp (So. - Milford, Mich.) had a season best time as she crossed at 21:25.52, which was 35th overall in the NCAA Division II/NAIA grouping. VanDerworp was the 10th NAIA runner to finish the race.

Rachelle Malette of Wayne State was the victor in the DII/NAIA portion of the race with a time of 17:40.08 on a rain soaked, soft and spongy course. Joyce Woki of Spring Arbor University was the first runner from an NAIA program to reach the finish line as she crossed at 18:46.36.

For the Cardinals, Cree Thompson (Fr. - Detroit, Mich.) finished 60th overall in the DII/NAIA grouping with a time of 23:21.06, while Sarah Card (Fr. - Cadilac, Mich.) crossed with a time of 25:40.06 for a 70th place finish.

Lilian Jelimo of the University of Cincinnati was the overall winner with a time of 17:39.16.

The Concordia cross country team will have a short break before returning to action. The runner's next meet will be September 26 at the Lansing Community College Invitational.