BRISTOL, R.I. – At the James Earley Invitational, hosted by Westfield State College, the Roger Williams University Women's Cross Country team tallied a 14th-place finish Saturday afternoon.
Setting the pace for the Hawks was Lauren Riccardi (Reading, Mass.), who ran a collegiate personal best of 20:23.01 and finishing in 48th at the first Hawk across the line.
“I am really happy for her; she has been battling a hip injury for well over year and her last race two weeks it really flared up,” said Head Coach Sean Livingston. “She had a tough go of it. This time puts her right in the hunt for a varsity spot going forward.”
Following Ricciardi was Nina Groseclose (Baltimore, Md.), who also set a personal best with a time of 21:01, despite taking a bad fall just over a half mile into the race. Her time was good for 78th place.
“She got knocked around with cuts and bruises from her shoulders right down to her legs,” said Livingston. “I give her a lot of credit though for getting right back up, hanging in there, and running that last 2.5 miles in some obvious discomfort. I know she would have been well under 21 minutes if that hadn't happened.”
Anne Cassidy (Chelmsford, Mass.) crossed next for Roger Williams, placing 109th with a time of 21:34.18. Freshman Anne Ryan (Yarmouth, Maine) broke 22 minutes for the first time ever, finishing 125th with a time of 21:46.29.
“Anne has shown such improvement since early September,” said Livingston. “She's a hard worker who has a lot of potential.”
Livingston also noted the solid performance of Ailish Barry (Windham, N.H.), who placed 156th with a time of 22:26.71. Jessica Kraiza (North Granby, Conn.) finished 191st for the Hawks with a time of 23:13.20.
Roger Williams will be on the road next Saturday at the Western New England University Invitational.
Place Runner Time
48 Lauren Riccardi 20:23.02
78 Nina Groseclose 21:01.59
109 Anne Cassidy 21:34.18
125 Anne Ryan 21:46.29
156 Ailish Barry 22:26.71
191 Jessica Kraiza 23:13.20
