BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Towson University cross country team completed the 51st annual Paul Short Run on Friday at Lehigh University. The Tigers placed 24th out of 39 teams, tying last year's finish.

The eight runners representing the Black & Gold ran an average 6k time of 23:03.9, besting last year's average of 23:22.9. Six Tigers posted times under 24 minutes and all of Towson's returners posted personal bests.

"This was a highly competitive field today", noted coach Evan Freeman. "We showed a lot of growth from our last outing here. All our returners improved on their performances from 2024, and our team average also dropped significantly. Our freshmen really shined today in their first 6k and I'm excited to see how we continue to grow from here heading into championship season."

For the third straight meet of the season, sophomore Rebekka Hillier remains Towson's top performer after clocking 22:34.7. Hillier sets a PR on the course by over a minute from last year's 23:53.5. 

Freshman Anna Amato was the next finisher for the Tigers after clocking 22:46.3 in her first collegiate 6k race.

Baara Stewart crossed the finish line in 22:56.3, setting a PR from last year's 23:02.7.

Camille Swirsding ran 23:17.1. Mari Collick followed behind, clocking a PR of 23:44.7 by over a minute from last year's 24:54.6.

Freshmen Skylar Pizzulli and Whitney Duhon posted times of 23:59.2 and 24:23.7, respectively. Layla James rounded out Towson's lineup with a time of 24:52.6.

Up Next
The Tigers return to Pennsylvania on Oct. 18 for the Aubrey Shenk Invitational hosted by Gettysburg College.