Cross Country Takes Third at Sheehan Memorial Invitational

Photo of Lyons cross country runner, Corrin Moss. Image provided by One More Shot Photography.

LEOMINSTER, Mass. - The Mount Holyoke College cross country team saw all seven of its team runners finish in the top-35, propelling the Lyons to third overall at the Jim Sheehan Memorial Invitational at Fitchburg State University on Saturday. MHC posted a combined score of 79 points, finishing just behind Worcester State and Springfield, while besting Eastern Connecticut State and UMass-Dartmouth - both of whom bested the Lyons at the NCAA Regionals last November.

On a challenging, rolling course, Mount Holyoke battled through a slow go as the course was soggy and wet. The team's focus through the first 400 meters was to go out smart and controlled, which worked out in their favor as all 21 members of the squad passed 10-30 runners throughout the 5k course. MHC ran well in packs, which was broken up over the final steep hill, but maintained control throughout.

First year Sydney Nash crossed the line first for the Lyons, while also becoming the second-highest first year finisher in the event. She recorded a time of 20:27.1 to take eighth overall. Senior captain Corrin Moss was next to finish for MHC, posting a time of 20:43.9 for 11th among the field of 108 runners. Sophomore Simone Jacob put forth a personal record time of 20:51.3 to earn 17th in the race, while classmate Meryl Phair took 20th with a mark of 21:02.9.

Junior Michelle Serrano posted 23rd overall, crossing the line with a time of 21:06.7, while senior Emsie Cronin earned 28th with a time of 21:12.1. Junior Emma Raney rounded out the team scoring efforts in 35th, recording a time of 21.21.1.

Mount Holyoke also saw strong performances across the board from their individual runners on Saturday. First year Jamie Day was 37th (21:24.8), while classmate Sophia Anderson recorded a personal record (21:34.6) to earn 40th. First years Sarah Hyde and Sophia Gronbeck were 43rd (21:37.0) and 45th (21:42.0), as junior Brigit Wolf and senior captain Hannah Gershone earned 46th (21:43.9) and 47th (21:45.9), respectively.

Rookie Natalie Rodman boasted a personal record to take 56th (22:02.3), followed by classmates Katie Milligan in 61st (22:25.6), Charlotte Lindblom in 67th (22:54.8) and Amanda Kearney in 69th (23:02.9). Sophomore Olivia Wrobleski was 70th (23:14.7), while rookie Sammi Craig posted a personal record in 74th (23:41.9). Classmate Molly Lukiwsky was 75th (23:41.9) with senior Victoria Parrish rounding out the strong efforts in 82nd (24:04.2).

At the end of the event, the Lyons chose their new weekly teams honorees. This week's honoree for the Kick of the Week was Moss, Rodman took the Runner of the Week honor, while Phair was the Teammate of the Week.

Mount Holyoke returns to action next Saturday when it travels to Northampton to compete at the Smith College Invitational. Action is slated to begin at 10am.