Black Mountain, N.C. (Nov. 7, 2009) The Milligan College women's cross country team won their seventh straight Appalachian Athletic Conference title Saturday in Black Mountain, N.C.

Like the 20^th ranked Lady Buffs, sophomore Gillian Giffen (Knoxville, Tenn.) successfully defended her title as AAC Runner of the Year finishing first with a time of 19:01 for the 5K. Tennessee High product Lili Zaldana (Bristol, Tenn.) was right behind Giffen in 19:13, while newcomer Catie McMahon (Lanoka Harbor, N.J.) rounded out the all-Lady Buffs top three in 19:27.

 

Milligan's women took the fifth through ninth spots in succession to secure their spot at the 2009 NAIA Cross Country National Championships. After the Lady Buffs 17 point team total, the Lady Lions of Bryan (Tenn.) College were next on the pecking order with 60.

 

Joining Giffen, Zaldana and McMahon on the All-AAC team were senior Shanna Raines (Johnson City, Tenn.), freshmen Lauren Hubbard (Kingsport, Tenn.), Heather Exline (Glouster, Ohio), Leah Nelson (Johnson City, Tenn.) and Danielle Mitchell (Johnson City, Tenn.). The Milligan quintet of freshman also notched a spot on the All-AAC Freshman squad.

 

Heading into the national championships, the Lady Buffs boast a 57-12 record overall, with their only losses coming from NCAA Division I opponents.

 

"I am extremely pleased to see our freshmen girls step up today," commented Head Coach Chris Layne. "It was a complete performance and it is the boost we needed as we head into the national championships."

All Conference Awards List

The Milligan women will compete in the 2009 NAIA Cross Country Championships on Saturday, November 21, in Vancouver, Washington.

 

For complete results for the AAC Championships, click here.