FORT BENNING, Ga. - Junior Ashleigh Owens led the Georgia Southwestern cross country team to a runner-up finish at the 2016 Cougar Invitational hosted by Columbus State University Saturday morning at Stewart Field. Owens paced the Lady Hurricanes by finishing the 5K course in 20:25.22 for fourth place out of 33 competitors.

Owens' time ranks as the sixth-fastest 5K in GSW history. She wasn't alone cracking the record books on Saturday as sophomore Katherine McGarr was the second Lady Hurricane across the line, finishing in 20:40.66, which ranks ninth in program history.

Junior Lauren Ard posted a Top 10 finish as she was the tenth runner to complete the course. Her time was 21:05.62. Freshman Connie Lewis was the fourth GSW runner across the line in 21:18.25, placing 13th.

The Lady Hurricanes placed 15th, 16th, 17th and 19th with sophomore Savannah Ross, junior Neeli Fortson, freshman Morgan Cambron-Miller and junior Mary Catharine Calcutt. Freshman Hannah Croft came in 25th. 

Finishing with 25 points, Columbus State took home the team title. The Lady 'Canes scored 50 points in second. Albany State (69), Tuskegee University (93) and Fort Valley State (140) rounded out the team standings.

Amber Braswell from Columbus State crossed the finish line first overall with a time of 19:32.89 to win the event.

The Lady Hurricanes return to action Friday when they head to Newnan, Ga., for the Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta Invitational at 5:30 p.m.

Columbus State Cougar Invitational
Fort Benning, Ga.
Sept. 24, 2016

GSW Individual Results
4. Ashleigh Owens, 20:25.22
8. Katherine McGarr, 20:40.66
10. Lauren Ard, 21:05.62
13. Connie Lewis, 21:18.25
15. Savannah Ross, 22:05.20
16. Neeli Fortson, 22:15.82
17. Morgan Cambron-Miller, 22:38.26

19. Mary Catharine Calcutt, 22:46.50
25. Hannah Croft, 25:15.29

Team Results
1. Columbus State (25 pts)
2. GSW (50)
3. Albany State (69)
4. Tuskegee (93)
5. Fort Valley State (140)