Scout.com > Western Michigan Broncos Cross Country Update Story URL: http://westernmichigan.scout.com/2/298473.html WMU Media Relations BroncosIllustrated.com Sep 24, 2004 THREE RIVERS, Mich. - Western Michigan's depth and home course advantage paved the way to the team title at the George Dales Invitational, held at the Pine View Golf Club. The Broncos compiled 35 points to defeat Central Michigan (44) and Northern Illinois (60) in the scored triangular. WMU placed six runners in the top ten as senior Meryl Marsh (Hartland, MI) led the way with a time of 18:04.07 over the five-kilometer course. Marsh outdistanced the field by 30 seconds to capture her second career individual title. Senior Abby Barnett (Battle Creek, MI) finished fourth overall (18:54.12), edging teammate Rachael Lowe (East Peoria, IL) at the finish line. "It was great to see Meryl do well, she came back for a fifth year of eligibility and has become a leader for us," said WMU head coach Kelly Lycan. "Everyone ran strong today. We have such great team depth that the girls who didn't run for us could have comprised a winning team." The meet marked WMU's lone home appearance of the season. Lycan's squad is off to a strong start, having compiled a pair of first-place finishes and a runner-up showing in three weeks of action. The Broncos hit the road to compete at the Notre Dame Invitational next Friday (Oct. 1). Copyright © Scout.com and BroncosIllustrated.com