MSU Opens 2011 Season By Sweeping Titles At Sewanee Invitational

SEWANEE, Tenn. - After a year away, Mississippi State returned to Tennessee to compete in the Sewanee Invitational, and when action ceased both the men's and women's squads were victorious.

In the four years prior to last year's absence, MSU had claimed four straight victories and with today's sweep that total was brought to four in five years

For the Lady Bulldogs, it was Renee Masterson (21:37.26) crossing the line first in the 6K, followed by Haley Greenwell (21:42.53) in second. Joining Masterson and Greenwell in the Top 5 were Emma Neigel (22:22.53) and Jodie McGuff (22:25.49), who finished fourth and fifth respectively. In total, MSU took seven of the Top 10 places to claim 18 points and the victory.

"It felt great to win," Masterson said. "I was very impressed with the team, especially the freshman. They ran their hearts out. It was a test running a 6k this early in the season, but coach Franks had us prepared, and we proved to be strong. Today was only proof of how the rest of the season will go."

In MSU's 8K victory, it was Phillip Johnson (26:59.96) picking up his first victory as a Bulldog. Following Johnson across the line was John Valentine (27:29.97), Mike Clark (27:35.89) and Carson Britton (27:41.07) in third, fourth and fifth respectfully. When all was complete the Maroon and White finished with 24 points.

"It felt nice to get my first victory as a Bulldog," Johnson commented. "Coach Franks has really had us working on our pack running and it showed today. We ran as a team and we won as a team."

Following a return from Tenn., the Maroon and White will begin preparing to host and compete in the Bulldog Invitational on September 18.

Women's 6K
Winner: Renee Masterson, MSU, 21:37.26
MSU: 2. Haley Greenwell, 21:42.53; 4. Emma Neigel, 22:22.53; 5. Jodie McGuff, 22:25.49; 6. Dominique Lockhart, 22:30.37; 7. Anna Jarman, 22:31.44; 9. Madelein Takahashi, 22:43.91; 12. Katie Huston, 22:54.97; 13. Carmen Brothers, 23:02.89; 14. Adrianna Poole, 23:08.15; 46. Katelyn Walker, 25:32.48

Men's 8K
Winner: Phillip Johnson, MSU, 26:59.96
MSU: 3. John Valentine, 27:29.97; 4. Mike Clark, 27:35.89; 5. Carson Britton, 27:41.07; 11. Cameron Vernier, 27:50.58; 13. Julian Duarte, 27:58.56; 16. Carter Hewitt, 28:02.53; 17. Nathan Lewis, 28:03.82; 21. Jacob Fuller, 28:10.54; 29. Matt Weickert, 29:05.71; 31. Bobby McIllece, 29:07.57; 32. Connor Denison, 29:09.97; 36. Henry Li, 29:16.24