SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Samford's Lauren D'Alessio has been honored as the women's Southern Conference Runner of the Week for her performance during the weekend of October 8-9, the league office announced today.

The sophomore from Birmingham, Ala., ran an 18:06 on a very slow and tough 5K course over the weekend.  She helped lead her team to a second place finish at the Samford Invitational, which was a preview meet for the 2010 NCAA South Regional Championship hosted by Samford.  D'Alessio has run number one for the Bulldogs in every meet this season.

Samford returns to action next weekend when the Bulldogs travel to Chattanooga, Tenn., to compete in the Front Runner Invitational.

Southern Conference Women's Runner of the Week

Week 1: Brittney Caudle, Appalachian State

Week 2: Anneli Uys, Chattanooga

Week 3: Lauren D'Alessio, Samford

Week 4: Dena O'Brien, College of Charleston

Week 5: Ashley Schnell, UNCG

Week 6: Lauren D'Alessio, Samford