Oct. 27, 2005

Memphis, Tenn. - When the Memphis women's cross country team travels to the Conference USA Cross Country Championships in Orlando, Fla. on Saturday, a number of top U of M marks will be on the line as the Tigers will look for Memphis' highest-ever finishes in both the team and individual competitions.

The team, which recorded the Memphis' best-ever finish with an 11th-place showing at the 2004 Championships, should undoubtedly improve on that mark and has a solid chance at breaking into the top half of the 11-team conference field.

On the individual side, junior Daniele Riendeau, who currently holds both the seventh and eighth fastest 5K times in C-USA this season, is expected to compete for a top-five conference spot. After placing 17th last year to become the first-ever Memphis woman to finish in the top-20 at the C-USA meet, she is expected to better that mark on Saturday.

Freshman Emily Malinowski, who has filled the second team position in five of six meets, currently ranks in the top-25 individuals in the conference and will give the U of M another threat to break into the top-20.

Mary Claire Dake and Carolyn Corbett, who have had a strong hold on the third and fourth team positions, along with Meghan Shinkwin, Sarah Janecek and Nora Nemere, who will round out the seven-member squad, will all be relied upon heavily for Memphis to continue its rise up the conference ladder.

The C-USA Cross County Championships will be hosted by the University of Central Florida at the Disney Wide World of Sports® Complex in Orlando. The women's portion of the meet is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. (EST) Saturday morning with the men's race set for a 9:00 a.m. start.

Complete results for both races will be available online at www.conferenceusa.com, and www.ucfathletics.com following the meet, while results and a recap will be posted at gotigersgo.com.