The big question entering the fall was who could replace McIntyre, who left a trail of impressive accomplishments, records and awards in her wake. Lewis is projected to be one of the team leaders for a program with very high expectations once again.
The fifth-ranked Chargers are relying on experience and youth (Allysen Eads, Lewis, Sophia Maeda, Christina Sawyer, Maryssa Depies) to keep pace among the nation’s best programs under head coach Andrew Towne.
Hillsdale debuted with a runner-up team performance at the Drenth Memorial in Mount Pleasant, Mich., as Lewis finished sixth overall with a time of 18:14.52.
That time ranks 18th officially in the Great Midwest records, not an easy placement with Berger, former teammate McIntyre and several Cedarville standouts staking their claim.
Hillsdale’s cumulative team time of 1:32:43.94 from the season opener ranks sixth all-time among best 5K races. Lewis finished just outside the top 50 individual last year at the national cross country championships.