April 26, 2007

Philadelphia, Pa. - In the first day of competition at the 113th Penn Relay Carnival at the University of Pennsylvania, the Villanova women put forth a valiant effort in the DMR to place an impressive second in the event. The Wildcats, who entered today's race as the defending champions in the event, fell just short and were narrowly edged by first place winner Tennessee at Franklin Field this afternoon.

Villanova's relay team finished in a blazing time of 11:10.19 to finish just one second behind Tennessee, who clocked in at 11:09.16. Seniors Akilah Vargas and Tiera Fletcher ran the first two legs the race, while juniors Arusha McKenzie and Frances Koons held up the second half for the Wildcats.

"I am pleased with the way we ran," said Villanova head women's coach Gina Procaccio. "I knew coming in that there were a lot of great teams in the field. Our goal was to be competitive and then see what happened from there. All of our runners went for it, which is all that you can ask for."

The Wildcats did just that throughout the entire race. Akilah Vargas started things off for Villanova running the 1200m portion of the event. As she handed the baton to teammate, Tiera Fletcher, the Wildcats held a steady second place. Fletcher was able maintain that position during her 400m leg.

After the hand off, Arusha McKenzie then registered a strong third leg of the race in the 800m. Her performance had Villanova only trailing Tennessee by seven seconds before handing the baton off to anchor, Frances Koons. Koons put forth a courageous effort in the 1600m and was able to catch Tennessee to take the lead with 500m left in the race. However, Tennessee's late surge at the 120m mark catapulted them back into first place, where they eventually finished one second before Villanova.

"I knew when I got the baton that I had to make up ground quickly," said junior anchor Frances Koons. "I ran as hard as I could and was able to make up the deficit. I can't explain the last 100m of the race. My legs just wouldn't let me go any faster."

Despite just marginally missing the first place finish, Villanova still holds a spot in the Penn Relay history books. Currently, the Wildcat women have claimed 10 DMR Championships and 28 titles overall. These 28 first place finishes are the most out of any women's program in the history of the Penn Relays.

WOMEN'S DMR RESULTS:

1.) Tennessee 11:09.16

2.) Villanova 11:10.19

3.) North Carolina 11:12.44

4.) Duke 11:16.84

5.) Birminghan (England) 11:18.34