<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2F6lUs_0wD1H9Dd00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2F6lUs_0wD1H9Dd00" width="800" height="450" >At the Elon Phoenix Invitational, VCU's cross-country team secured a solid second-place finish with a total of 49 points, just behind the host, Elon, who topped the standings with 40 points. Redshirt sophomore Cole Dawson was a standout, finishing third with a time of 25:41.9, leading four VCU runners into the top 10. Junior Hudson Barth, senior Kendall Phillips, and sophomore Carter Smith followed closely, finishing fifth, sixth, and eighth, respectively. This performance boosts team confidence as they prepare for the upcoming conference championships.<ul><li>VCU finished with 49 points, while Elon scored 40 points for the win.</li><li>Cole Dawson clocked in at 25:41.9, placing third, just 14 seconds behind the champion.</li></ul>Yes, ButWhile VCU secured a runner-up finish, they were missing one of their top five runners, highlighting potential for improved performance at the conference level. This absence raises questions about the team's depth and overall competitiveness.State of Play<ul><li>VCU placed four runners in the top 10, illustrating strong individual performances.</li><li>Confidence is building within the team as they prepare for the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships in two weeks.</li></ul>VCU will focus on preparing for the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships on November 2, where they will seek to leverage their recent success for a strong showing.Bottom LineThe VCU cross-country team's impressive performance at Elon signals optimism going into the conference championships, but growth in depth and cohesion will be crucial for their success.</div></body>

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VCU Harriers Claim Second at Elon Phoenix Invitational, Dawson Shines

At the Elon Phoenix Invitational, VCU's cross-country team secured a solid second-place finish with a total of 49 points, just behind the host, Elon, who topped the standings with 40 points. Redshirt sophomore Cole Dawson was a standout, finishing third with a time of 25:41.9, leading four VCU runners into the top 10. Junior Hudson Barth, senior Kendall Phillips, and sophomore Carter Smith followed closely, finishing fifth, sixth, and eighth, respectively. This performance boosts team confidence as they prepare for the upcoming conference championships.