HOPKINTON, N.H. (March 26, 2021) -- The Franklin Pierce University women's cross country team hosted the ninth annual Bruce Kirsh Cross Country Cup on Friday afternoon against Saint Michael's. The Ravens came out with a win at Houston Fields, as they accumulated a total of 24 points in the 5k, while Saint Michael's accrued 32.

Leading the pack and finishing in first in her maiden voyage as a Raven was graduate student Bethany Donnelly (Manchester, United Kingdom), who finished the race in 18:46 to set a new program 5k record. Freshman Meghan Sheline (Southington, Conn.) made a strong debut with the team as well, as she finished in 21:10 and accomplished a fifth-place finish.

Following Sheline was graduate student Marisa Carbone (Scarborough, Maine) in sixth at 21:28, and junior Alana Thompson (Westampton, N.J.) in seventh at 21:31. Senior Sara Joyce (Pepperell, Mass.) came across the line in 22:30 to finish the day in ninth in Franklin Pierce's fifth and final scoring position. Sophomore Alexis Collins (Monroe, N.H.) followed closely in 11^th after completing the race in 22:46.

Senior Amanda Pale (Plainville, Conn.) added a 14^th-place finish, after a run of 22:56. Freshman Kelsey Gregorio (New Boston, N.H.) was the final Raven to come across the line, as she finished her day in 19^th with a time of 26:55.

In all, the Ravens made the best of their only scheduled cross country meet of the year. The program will turn its attention to track & field season, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 3, at Southern Connecticut State.