As the first women's cross country meet approaches, the Lady Lions are eager to explode out of the starting blocks and run their way to a successful season. The squad's first meet is the Spiked Shoe Invitational at 10:30 tomorrow morning at the Blue Golf Course.

Coach Teri Jordan brims with the enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning whenever she talks about this year's team. This excitement comes despite losing eight seniors from last year.

"If one word could sum up our team this season, it would be youth,"Jordan said.

Jordan recruited a total of eight freshmen for this year's squad and is extremely pleased with their progress thus far.

"We may be inexperienced now, but there is only one way to take care of that . . . and that is to go out and do it. Every day is a new day for these freshmen," Jordan said.

Three years down the road when these freshmen are all seniors, the Lady Lions will certainly be a formidable opponent. However, Jordan believes this year's team will also be a very competitive one as well.

"We are a solid, well-balanced team with a positive outlook on the season. Although we may not be ranked in the Top 20 yet, we will be," Jordan stated.

The Lady Lions' main competition in tomorrow's invitational will be arch-rival West Virginia. Pittsburgh, South Florida, James Madison, Bloomsburg, Courtland (N.Y.) and Canisius will also be represented.

After this Saturday, the Lady Lions will go on to compete at Western Ontario, Lehigh and Purdue. Jordan believes the toughest meet of the season, however, will be October 20th, here at the Lady Lion National Invitational.

"Our goal for this season is to finish in the top 15 nationally," Jordan said.

To reach this goal, Jordan will be counting on her experienced returning runners -- Dana Dougan, Jenny Weaver, Leslee Martin and Laurie Morrow.

"This year's team is a close-knit group tied together by Coach Jordan. She cares a lot about everyone and is interested in our lives, not just our cross country performances,'' Morrow said.