COLUMBUS, GA. - Three schools ran away with the Peach Belt Conference Women's Cross Country Championships on Saturday morning in Columbus, GA.  Kennesaw State (38 points), North Florida (44 points), and Armstrong Atlantic State (67) out distanced the rest of the field with Clayton College and State (146) as the next closest team. USC Aiken placed 11th with 246 points.

At the 5,000-meter meet hosted by Columbus State University, Marjo Venalainen was the top overall finisher turning in a time of 17:32.49 and leading KSU to the women's championship.  Sarah Davey (17:49.92) and Jennifer Ford (17:59.10) of North Florida were second and third respectively.

The Lady Pacers were led by freshman Sarah Estrada who placed 31st with a time of 22:12.47.  Kelly Shemansky (22:51.43) and Faith Zimmerman (23:36.80) also finished in the top 50 for USCA at 40th and 49th respectively.  Bridget Brennan was 61st, Tina Ingram placed 70th, while Nickey DuPont came in 73rd.

First-year head coach Tracy Abromavage improved on the Lady Pacers' 12th place finish in 1999.  Venalainen was selected as the PBC Runner of the Year and KSU head coach Stan Sims was named the Coach of the Year.  Laura Magee of North Florida earned Freshman of the Year honors.

Team Results: 
1. Kennesaw State University, 38 
2. University of North Florida, 44 
3. Armstrong Atlantic State University, 67 
4. Clayton College and State University, 146 
5. Columbus State University, 162 
6. Lander University, 167 
7. Francis Marion University, 175 
8. UNC Pembroke, 215 
9. USC Spartanburg, 217 
10. Georgia College and State University, 225 
11. USC Aiken, 246

USCA Individual Results: 
31. Sarah Estrada, 22:12.47 
40. Kelly Shemansky, 22:51.43 
49. Faith Zimmerman, 23:36.80 
61. Bridget Brennan, 25:20.75 
70. Tina Ingram, 28:11.04 
73. Nickey DuPont, 30:48.32