PIKE CREEK, Del.--Hood College was one of eleven colleges and universities to descend on Carousel Park in the Wilmington, Del., suburbs for the Sixth Annual Wilmington College Cross Country Invitational Saturday.

The Blazers were led by sophomore Danielle Sgro, who placed 14th overall. The top 15 were recognized with individual awards.

As a team, the Hood women finished sixth out of 11 teams.

Senior captains Rachel Pectol and Julia Blickenstaff ran second and third for Hood, placing 38th and 39th, respectively. Junior April Penn was one place behind in 40th. Freshman Meredith McDonough completed the scoring for the Blazers in 47th place.

Rounding out the top seven varsity runners were freshman Lisa Blickenstaff and junior Sara Stiles.

"This is the toughest course we will run this year and there were three NCAA Division II schools in the race," Hood head coach Brent Ayer said. "The women were patient and moved well through the field after the first mile. Danielle was tough and determined, as always, and I thought Julia did a good job of moving up."

The Hood men, who finished seventh, were paced by Faraz Shoai in 17th place. Three freshmen--William Andrews (29th), Blake Rust (30th) and Blair Ames (39th)--formed the center of the Blazers' pack. Junior Captain Steve Delaney placed 47th to conclude the Hood scoring.

Freshmen Brendan Greenlees and David McDuffie completed the top seven slots.

"Faraz drove through 60 runners after the first mile and turned in a good effort on a very rough course," Ayer said. "I was pleased to see Blake and Brendan get after some folks today. Itýs good to see the runners begin to push their teammates.

"As a group, we are learning a little more each week. Today, we beat a future Capital Athletic Conference school and a Division II program and we are closing on some others."

Next week, the Blazers travel to Salisbury University for the Tidewater Fall Classic and a preview of the CAC Championship course.