9/1 (HOLLAND) The 2012 Cornerstone University Cross Country Season began at the Vanderbilt Invitational hosted by Hope College under warm, cloudy skies.

Jill Louisignau raced with the lead pack through a blistering first mile in 5:42. After working her way up to second midway through the race she fought a three way battle down the homestretch for the runner-up spot. Sharon Hecker of Hope prevailed in 19:01with Louisignau third in19:02 and Meredith Busman of Hope fourth in 19:03.

Behind her the Golden Eagles' race plan focused on pack running which they did extremely well. The 2-5 group of Audrey Tremaine (13^th / 20:27), Julia Contreras (14^th / 20:28), Julie Oosterhouse (17^th / 20:59) and CallyAnne Wyma (18^th / 21:07) were forty seconds apart. The 6-9 pack of Sydney Tremaine (20^th / 21:22), Erin Laplander (22^nd / 21:29) and Leah Shepherd (37^th / 21:31) were separated by just 9 seconds while Briana Snyder (40^th / 21:53), Mindy Lewis (41^st / 21:58) and Kayla Ovokaitys (42^nd / 22:04) had an 11-second gap.

Hope came one place away from a shutout, scoring 18 points for the win. Albion took second with 61 followed by Cornerstone at 65 and Muskegon Community College with 106.

Cornerstone races next on September 8 at the Calvin College Knight Invitational in Grand Rapids.