BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Saint Joseph's College of Maine women's cross country team raced at the Maine State Championships, hosted by Bowdoin College on Saturday morning. The Monks placed eight overall with 223 points in their 6K debut.
"It was a great effort across the board today," said Head Coach Mike Burleson. "I thought we packed up well in the front on both sides, and seeing this many personal bests in the middle of the season is a strong sign that we're moving in the right direction."
NEED TO KNOW:
At the 2023 Maine State Meet, Saint Joseph's placed 10th overall with 223 points, led by sophomore Alexia Young (Rochester, N.H.) in 85th place (30:28). The Monks fielded a very young lineup that year, with several first-years gaining valuable championship experience. Bates won the meet with a dominant 19 points, sweeping the podium, while Bowdoin (70) and Colby (75) rounded out the top three.
After two years the Monks returned to the state stage with a stronger, deeper lineup and climbed to eighth place with 223 points, trimming nearly four minutes off their team average (26:15). First-year Amber Pendleton (Warren, Maine) led the way in 58th place (25:07), while Haley Williams (Winthrop, Maine) and Meghan Cyr (Hampden, Maine) packed closely behind. Senior Alexia Young provided veteran leadership, scoring for the Monks at her final state meet.
THE RUNDOWN:
Bowdoin College claimed the team title with 35 points, placing five runners inside the top 12 and averaging 22:20 on the 6K course. The University of Maine followed close behind with 44 points, led by the individual champion, while Bates rounded out the top three with 51 points.
- 1st – Bowdoin College, 35 points
- 2nd – University of Maine, 44 points
- 3rd – Bates College, 51 points
- 4th – University of New England, 128 points
TOP FINISHERS:
- Lila Garbett (University of Maine) – first place, 21:42
- Leah White (Bates College) – second place, 21:47
- Ruby Krasnow (University of Maine) – third place, 21:50
FOR THE MONKS:
- First Year, Amber Pendleton (Warren, Maine) – 58th place, 25:07
- Sophomore, Haley Williams (Winthrop, Maine) – 59th place, 25:13
- Junior, Meghan Cyr (Hampden, Maine) – 69th place, 26:03
- Senior, Alexia Young (Rochester, N.H.) – 81st place, 27:14
- Sophomore, Olivia Bean (South Portland, Maine) – 87th place, 27:39
- Sophomore, Kiley Webber (Freeport, Maine) – 102nd place, 31:34
- Sophomore, Madalyn Guindon (Saco, Maine) – 111th place, 33:44
UP NEXT!
The Monks return to action on Saturday, October 4th, competing at the Keene State Invitational!
