BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Women's Cross Country team had its streak of 11 consecutive Commonwealth Coast Conference Championships snapped Saturday afternoon, as the Hawks finished in third place at the conference championship meet.
Salve Regina University claimed the first conference championship by a team other than Roger Williams for the first time in over a decade, beating runner-up University of New England by a single point, 35 to 36.
“We ran up against two extremely good teams today, but I am so very proud of the race we ran and they effort put forth,” said Head Coach Sean Livingston. “We have had much adversity this season, starting in the pre-season going right through to this past week, but they haven't used that as an excuse not to try and go out & get the job done. The team raced as well as we could on this day.”
Sophomore Kristen St. Pierre (Dracut, Mass.) and freshman Jamie Wandzilak placed ninth and tenth, respectively, with times of 24:49 and 24:51 to each earn All-CCC honors. Wandzilak was also named CCC Rookie of the Year as the first freshman to cross the finish line.
“She [Wandzilak] has been the most consistent racer for us all year and I really like to watch her race, said Livingston. “She runs tough.”
Alexandra Honkala (South Royalton, Vt.), running in pain with a hair-line fracture in her rib, steadily moved up during the race and nearly earned all-conference honors, finishing 13th with a time of 24:58.
“I think that is one of the gutsiest races I have seen anyone run. She did everything she could to help the team today.”
Junior Nina Groseclose (Baltimore, Md.) had her best collegiate performance, finishing fourth for the team and 19th overall in 25:21. Senior Meaghan Krasenics (Shelton, Conn.) was one place behind Groseclose, finishing two seconds after her.
Senior Kaitlin Crowley (Beverly, Mass.) was the last runner for RWU to earn points, taking 24th with a time of 25:40.
“Eleven in a row is an impressive streak, not an easy thing to do,” said Livingston. “I'm disappointed for them, but not in them. We'll do our best to bring that title back home next fall.”
