The dominance that Mary Washington has developed over the years hit a slight bump in the road in 2005, as the Eagles finished out of first place in the CAC Championships for only the third time ever in the 16-year old history of the league.
There were many highlights, however, including the running of former UMW tennis player Allison Hazlett, who finished eighth overall at the NCAA regional championship, thereby qualifying for and competing in the NCAA national championships in Delaware, OH. As a team, the Eagles took first place finishes at McDaniel College and Greensboro College, and also placed third at the DeSales Invitational among 23 competing schools.
After finishing second at the CAC championship, they took third at the NCAA regional, just missing out on a trip to the national championships as a squad. Coach Soper welcomes back all-region runners Hazlett, Julia Rothlisberger, Cristy Falcone (the 2004 CAC Runner of the Year), as well as Ann Tripp and Mary Naylor.
The team will set its sights on recapturing the conference title and challenging for the NCAA regional crown and possible trip to the national championship.