TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (Sporting Alert) – Sheila Reid said she was in the shape of her life and she showed that was in deed true when she kicked at the 250m mark to win the NCAA women’s cross country 6k title on Monday.
The win was the 12th career victory for the Villanova senior and second NCAA national title, after winning last year.
But she had to use her experience to do so, as she bought her time well and remained patient despite not leading early in the race
Reid‘s winning time was 19:41.2 and she out-kicked Oregon’s Jordan Hasay, who was second in 19:41.8
Silje Fjortoft of Southern Methodist and Norway led the way for majority of the race and even went out bravely, but couldn’t hold on.
Reid said she had to move when she did or she wouldn’t have caught Fjortoft.
Asked if she was worried about not catching Fjortoft, Reid said.
“No, never. We knew we were really on the pace and was committed to go after her.
“At about 3k I decided to go, because I knew we won’t catch her if I waited any longer.
Reid also said the race was the toughest one of her career.
“It was the hardest race for me,” she said.
Meanwhile, Georgetown (162) stunned the pack to win its first NCAA team title, defeating the likes of Washington (170) and Villanova (181).
Favourites Florida State faded to fourth (189), while Oregon was fifth in 281.
