Yeah, I can see that, but honestly I think Valby was going to win no matter what and the pace probably helped Markezich ensure 2nd. I guess she also could have thought to test Valby the day after a fast 5k.
Notre Dame women wound up 10th but they were only 4 points out of 5th, 7 points out of 3rd. There are occasions in this meet when athletes hedge their bets for the sake of sewing up points.