HARTFORD, Conn. – The Roger Williams University women's cross country team opened its 2026 campaign Saturday morning with a sixth-place finish at the University of Hartford XC Invitational at Keney Park.
The Hawks finished with 143 points, placing sixth among the 10-team field.
Carnevale Sets the Pace
Graduate student Gabriella Carnevale (Jamestown, R.I.) led the way for the Hawks, finishing 13th overall in the 3K with a time of 11:42.9.
Junior captain Gabriella Sitzer (Slingerlands, N.Y.) followed with a strong 26th-place finish, crossing the line in 12:27.4.
First-year Taylor Maluk (Newport, R.I.) continued the Hawks' strong start, finishing 27th overall in 12:30.5 in her collegiate debut.
Hawks Make Their Mark
First-year Maddy Koon (Albany, N.Y.) placed 45th overall with a time of 13:02.3, while senior Katlynn Joseph (Cumberland, R.I.) rounded out RWU's top five scorers with a 48th-place finish in 13:17.7.
Together, the Hawks' top five runners totaled 143 points, securing sixth place in the team standings.
Strong Depth Throughout the Field
RWU continued to see contributions throughout the field, with junior Alexandra Biryukov (Oceanside, N.Y.) finishing 57th in 13:43.2.
First-year Giselle Haun (Meriden, Conn.) crossed the finish line 65th overall in 14:24.1, followed by first-year Brooke Riesenberg (De Pere, Wis.) in 71st with a time of 15:16.6.
Sophomore Lindsay Maine (Richmond, R.I.) placed 74th in 15:25.5, while junior captain Bree Killion (Rochester, Mass.) finished 76th in 15:31.0.
First-year Tiffany Blanco (Warwick, R.I.) rounded out the Hawks' field, placing 79th overall with a time of 15:45.7.
A Solid Opening Statement
The sixth-place finish gives the Hawks a solid opening result to build off of as they begin their 2026 campaign. Led by captains Sitzer and Killion alongside Carnevale and a talented group of young runners, RWU will look to build on Saturday's performance as the season continues.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Roger Williams returns to action on Saturday, September 19, traveling to North Dartmouth, Mass., for the UMass Dartmouth Cross Country Invitational. The Hawks are scheduled to begin racing at 12:00 P.M.
