BIDDEFORD, Maine – The Saint Joseph's College of Maine women's cross country team competed at the Ron Ouellette Invitational, hosted by the University of New England on Saturday morning. The Monks secured a third-place team finish with 84 points on the 2-mile course at Rotary Park.

NEED TO KNOW:

At the 2024 UNE Invitational, the Monks finished fifth overall, led by then-first-year Bella Koepsell (Falmouth, Maine), who ran 14:11 for 13th place. Olivia Bean and Ava Moffett added strong supporting efforts as the team built depth with a young core.

This year, Saint Joseph's climbed two spots in the standings, finishing third overall with 84 points. Sophomore Haley Williams (Winthrop, Maine) led the way with a 12th-place finish in 14:07, followed by first-year Amber Pendleton (Warren, Maine) in 14th (14:22) and teammate Meghan Cyr (Hampden, Maine) in 16th (14:36). The Monks averaged 14:46 per runner, cutting more than a minute from last year's average pace.

THE RUNDOWN:

The University of New England swept the top three spots to win the meet with 17 points, while Southern Maine finished second with 40. Saint Joseph's secured third place with 84 points, ahead of Thomas (109) and Maine Maritime (134).

• 1st – University of New England, 17 points

• 2nd – Southern Maine, 40 points

• 3rd – Saint Joseph's (Me.), 84 points

• 4th – Thomas College, 109 points

• 5th – Maine Maritime, 134 points

TOP FINISHERS:

• Sally Kelton (University of New England) – first place, 12:27

• Maya Brochu (University of New England) – second place, 12:42

• Sylvie DiBartolomeo (University of New England) – third place, 12:51

FOR THE MONKS:

• Sophomore, Haley Williams (Winthrop, Maine) – 12th place, 14:07

• First Year, Amber Pendleton (Warren, Maine) – 14th place, 14:22

• Junior, Meghan Cyr (Hampden, Maine) – 16th place, 14:36

• Senior, Alexia Young (Rochester, N.H.) – 22nd place, 14:52

• Sophomore, Bella Koepsell (Falmouth, Maine) – 30th place, 15:53

• Sophomore, Olivia Bean (South Portland, Maine) – 31st place, 15:55

• Sophomore, Kiley Webber (Freeport, Maine) – 34th place, 17:25

• Sophomore, Madalyn Guindon (Saco, Maine) – 36th place, 17:38

UP NEXT!

The Monks return to action on Saturday, September 20th, competing at the Maine State Championships in Brunswick, Maine.