Marist women’s cross country came charging out at their opening home meet of the season, placing first out of the five teams in the Marist Invitational at Vassar Farms.
The top five Marist placeholders combined for 37 points. UConn finished second in the meet with 42 points, while UAlbany rounded out the top three with 72 points. Fairfield placed fourth with 80 points, while Siena finished last with 124 points among their top-five.
The Marist junior class had a particularly strong performance in the 5-km race. Junior Parker O’Brien led the Red Foxes by finishing second overall at 18:17.7. Although the race ultimately came down to individual effort, Parker attributed credit to her teammates.
“I wouldn’t be here without the girls, 100%. We’re with each other day in and day out, running, not running. The connection and bond I have with them is beyond words, and it’ll last a lifetime,” said O’Brien.
Redshirt junior Adele Alexander followed O’Brien, coming in fifth with a time of 18:21.5. Junior Sierra Fisher came in ninth overall with a time of 18:35.6. Fisher believes she is just getting started though, she has her sights set on achieving All-MAAC honors this cross-country season.
“I focus on my mom and my dad who have done so much for me to be at this point that I am at today. I just go out there every single time, run for them, and know that I want to get out there and put my best foot forward because that’s what they’ve done for me my whole life,” said Fisher.
Freshmen Addy Thibodeau and Julia Zydanowicz followed, coming in 11th and 14th overall with times of 18:40.9 and 19:07.3.
For Zydanowicz, her mentality shifted in her first-ever collegiate meet.
“High school was a lot more individual because I was usually leading the pack with my team, but having other girls to run with was exciting but different,” said Zydanowicz. “I held onto everyone to stay in the race and not get that mental block that this is college now and not high school.”
Head coach Chuck Williams was pleased with his team’s first-place performance, one that gives them momentum as they begin the fall schedule.
“This is my 25th year coaching here as an assistant coach and now as a head coach. They make me a better coach each year because I work harder to help them to become the best versions of themselves as student-athletes and just people,” said Williams.
Yesterday’s race marked another win for Marist on their home course to open the season.
“I think it means a lot to this program,” said Williams. “Coming out of COVID was difficult I think for every program, not just ours. Coming here and winning on our home course and senior day really just means a little bit more, it’s just extra special,”
The Marist women will race next at the Jasper Fall Classic on Sept. 14 in Montgomery, NY.
Edited by Marley Pope and Luke Sassa
Photos by Caitlin Bombassei
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