By Jeff Linder
The Gazette
Thursday, September 11, 2003, 9:28:45 PM

IOWA CITY WEST had three runners in the top 10 and shocked City High for the girls' crown, 53-54.

The Little Hawks, who unseated West for the state title last year, are top-ranked in the state and rated No. 10 in the country.

"People don't mention us in the same breath as (City). But I knew this day would happen," said Julia Frudden, who led the Women of Troy, placing fifth. "We knew we were going to bring it. We were going to take it all."

The Women of Troy prepared for Thursday's inclines by running eight hills on the West campus two days earlier.

"We were definitely prepared," Frudden said.

Sara Fassbinder of Dubuque Wahlert claimed individual honors, bolting to the front early and shaking off a midrace challenge by City High's Nelle Trefz and Jennie Funk to win going away.

Fassbinder was clocked in 14:47. Trefz finished 33 seconds behind.

Ames' girls were third, followed by Cedar Rapids Xavier and Wahlert. Bettendorf was third in the boys' race. Ames was fourth, Cedar Rapids Kennedy fifth.