Cowgirls Upgrade Talent and Add Depth

Going into just its second season, the Hardin-Simmons women’s cross country team is still a work in progress, but coach Rodney Smith thinks that in just its second season the Cowgirls can be competitive in the tough American Southwest Conference.

“I think we have a team that could possible get into the top three of the conference,” said Smith. “We have improved all throughout the lineup from a year ago.”

The best thing for the Cowgirls this season is they have depth. With nine freshmen to go along with three returners there is a little wiggle room if someone goes down with an injury.

“It is good to have numbers,” said Smith. “We think that we have some depth on the women’s side and we have some very talented newcomers to go along with some experience.

Lindsay Hinton and Lydia Bjork are both freshmen and they are sitting as the top two runners after the time trial on Saturday.

“We were very excited to see them come in as fast as they did,” said Smith. “We think they can be very good for us at the front end of the team.”

Returner Alyssa Thompson has improved a great deal over last year. She was 16th at the conference meet and the top 14 make all-conference.

“We think she can get to that top 14 level this year,” said Smith. “She has worked hard and has improved in every aspect over this time last year.”

Jayme Wills is another freshman that had a good time trial and Vanessa Montelongo is in her first season on the team but has been on campus for three years. Maloree Kendall is a freshman from San Antonio that had mono over the summer and is just getting back into shape. Allison Robertson is also back and should compete for a spot.

Veteran Trissy Herington has also improved a lot over the summer and Whitney Rankin is another freshman that is expected to compete for spots on the travel roster. Cori Eggerling and Delanie Walker will add to the depth of the team.

“We have the talent to be a good team, said Smith. “If they continue to work as hard as they have so far we should have a successful season.”