Mato continues distance dominance with course record, Lady Cougars place three in top ten

The new look Barton Community College women's cross country team began the 2014 season Friday with solid results at the Kings Sandwich Classic in Iola, Kansas.  Hosted by Allen Community College, the Lady Cougars placed three runners in the top ten as the team of first-year runners made their mark in collegiate running.  

"For it being the first meet for these ladies they did very well," said second year Head Coach Parker Cowles.  "They have a lot of potential and I look for even greater results in the future."

Lydia Mato, one of the premier distance runners in the NJCAA, made her cross country debut in record setting fashion.   Setting a 3200 meter course record in 12:19.35, Mato led from start to finish winning the event by eleven seconds in front of Pratt Community College's Grasiela Navarro.  Holly Pierce placed third overall with a time of 13:15.89 while Great Bend native Kaitlynn Tuey completed her first collegiate race with a top ten finish time of 14:25.26.  Yazmin Rendon finished in 15:12.00 while multi-event track athlete Trenna Cox crossed the line in 15:44.

The Lady Cougars will be back in action on Saturday, September 6, as Barton travels to Augusta for the Wichita State University hosted JK Gold Invitational.