Aug. 30, 2007

HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- - Southern Miss women's cross country team opens the 2007 season, competing in the Tulane Invitational, Aug. 31. According to second-year head cross country coach Cassandra Goodson, the team has been working hard toward this first meet.

"We have been working hard since school started," Goodson said. "We are coming into this season in good shape and better prepared. We added some quality newcomers to the team and I believe they will make major contributions right away."

Heading the list of returnees are juniors Jemarie Alcordo (San Diego, Calif.), Ronna Sandoval (Picayune, Miss.), and senior Stephanie Jones-DuBose (Nashville, Tenn.). All three competed in all six meets last season. Alcordo and Sandoval recorded three top-10 finishes.

"The dynamic of the team has changed from last season," Goodson said. "With the returnees and the new runners, we will see a big improvement. We've added some true cross country runners, in addition to our talented middle distance runners."

The newcomers include Gerrelaine Alcordo (San Diego, Calif.), LaSheika Dinkins (Memphis, Tenn.), Parris Hodges (Hayward, Calif.), Jami Mei (Cleveland, Miss.), Zuna Portillo (Antioch, Calif.) and Kelley Rooney (Fair Oaks, Calif.).

Goodson also added additions from the track and field team with Cheris Fletcher (Albany, Ga.), and Kenika Weaver (College Park, Ga.).

The Lady Eagles will compete in six meets, including the Conference USA Championships, scheduled for Oct. 27 in El Paso, Texas.

Southern Miss will host its annual cross country meet, Sept. 7, at Tatum Park. The location has changed from Vann Hook Gold Course, Lake Sehoy side to Tatum Park, for the second-straight year. The event includes a high school race, university and college race and an open race. The high school meet begins at 3:30 p.m., with the girls followed by boys at approximately 4 p.m. The university women's race is set to begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the men's race. There will also be an open 5K race.