Ruston Captures NYU Invitational

Junior Amy Ruston earned her second individual title in as many weeks when she finished in first place in the NYU Invitational at Van Cortland Park Saturday.

Ruston led the race from beginning to end, starting with a commanding lead through the first mile of 5:33.

“I wanted to get out to an early start, to avoid any difficulties on the Van Cortlandt course,” said Ruston, the ECAC Runner of the Week. "I know this course pretty well, but it still proves difficult everytime I compete here."

Ruston’s time of 18:19.6 eclipsed the meet record of 18:34.9 she set last year. The meet featured twenty-two teams comprised of two hundred and eleven student athletes.

“Today Amy had a good win against a strong field," said Lehman head coach Lesleigh Hogg. "The goal was to finish in under eighteen minutes, but the head and humidity problably played a factor in her not accomplishing that today."

With the assistance of Annie Ortiz who finished 13th in 20:43.4 the Lady Lightning finished in 12th place overall their best ever placing at this prestigious meet. The team also broke the school record for a five person team average with a time of 23:58. The other members of the record breaking team were Olga Torres, Lianee Torres and Shawane Williams. The Lady Lightning travel next to Annandale, New York for the Bard Invitational on Saturday September 24.