Jonathan Towers
Contributing Writer
The women’s cross country team traveled to Lafayette University on Oct. 19 to race in the Leopard Invitational, in a preview of what is to come at the Patriot League Cross Country Championships on Nov. 2.
The Bison raced against six of the 10 Patriot League affiliated schools, as they familiarized themselves with the course and competitors that they will compete on and against for the Patriot League Championship. The Bison finished second out of 14 teams.
Catherine Scott ’17 was the top Bison finisher for the women on the hilly 6k course in 22:45, putting her in 13th place overall.
“The teamwork on this team has made this a great first season of cross country because everyone is so encouraging and supportive. I am very excited for leagues because our team has a very good shot at winning it,” Scott said.
The remaining scorers for the Orange and Blue finished within seconds of each other with Montana DiPietrantonio ’15 leading the way in 15th place in 22:52, followed by classmates Katie Jessee ’15, Kylie Pearse ’15, and Zoe Gaston ’15 all finishing in 17th, 18th, and 19th place in 23:01.04, 23:01.80, and 23:02.66, respectively.
“In the race on Saturday, we stuck together as a pack throughout the majority of the race and achieved the goals Coach Donner hoped we would,” Gaston said. “I think this gives us some confidence and sets us up well for a successful championship meet in two weeks.”
Overall, the Bison ran solidly as a team and put themselves firmly in the conversation of potential Patriot League Champions. The Patriot League Championships will be at 11 a.m. on Nov. 2 at Lafayette.