Sept. 30, 2009

WACO, Texas - Baylor's 14th-ranked women's cross country squad will travel to Eugene, Ore., to face some the best in the nation at the Bill Dellinger Invitational on Friday, Oct. 2.

The women, ranked first in the NCAA South Central region, will see their first action after a three-week break. Senior All-American Erin Bedell, who hasn't raced this season due to injury, will return on Friday as well.

"Erin is back, and Danielle (Bradley) and Nichole (Jones) are looking great," head coach Todd Harbour said. "I am anxious to see where we're at, see how thing are going. It has been a long time since we've raced, and these girls are really, really hungry to get out there."

Baylor will take on second-ranked Oregon and fifth-ranked Villanova, along with Colorado State, Hawaii, Oregon State, Portland, San Francisco, Texas-El Paso and Weber State rounding out the field. Oregon features three All-Americans, while Villanova, like the Bears' Bedell, has one cross country All-American.

"This is going to be a really good test against two of the best teams in the country," Harbour said. "We have a great team, this is a great venue, and we always look forward to coming out to Oregon."

In the Bears' only meet this season, the Bear Twilight Invitational, Jones took the top individual honors, helping lead the Bears to the women's team title. Freshman Stephanie Morgan placed second, Leigh Ann Ganzar was third, and Danielle Bradley was fourth, while Cate Westenhover placed sixth to give the Bears five of the top six places.

The meet is set to begin with the women's race at 3:15 p.m. at the Springfield Country Club in Eugene, Ore.

For more information on the Bill Dellinger Invitational click here.