FREDERICTON, NB - Michelle Reddy(Sarnia, ON), of the Dalhousie Tigers, was first across the line in today's Atlantic University Sport women's cross country season-opener, in Fredericton. The Axewomen won a strong second place in the overall team standings. 

Reddy won the UNB-STU Invitational in a time of 23:40. 

Universite de Moncton's Carol-Ann MacDonald ran second, in 23:49, and Acadia's Katie Robinson was third. 

Katie Robinson, a fourth year Bachelor of Science student-athlete from Saint John, N.B. posted a time of 23:53.16, only 13 seconds slower than the race winner.

Robinson was joined by team mates Madalyn Higgins and Chrissy Smith who finished sixth and eighth respectively with times of 24:25.94 and 24:33.98.

"The Team are developing a strong competitive spirit this year. They are very focused in setting themselves up to be in contenders and having a very good showing at the AUS championships hosted by Acadia October 28 in Wolfville," said Acadia head coach Ralph Williams

"The team is dedicated to the training program, so that they are well prepared to race against the top teams this fall. The second place showing this weekend against the AUS dominate two teams has created an exciting  and determined energy amongst," concluded Williams.

The St FX women took the team event over Acadia and Dal. 

The Axewomen will head to Halifax next weekend on Saturday, Sept. 23 for the second AUS meet of the season, this time hosted by Dalhousie and Saint Mary's at Halifax's Point Pleasant Park starting at Noon.