New Britain, CT - The University of Hartford cross country teams competed in the final tune-up before the America East Championships, competing at the CCSU Mini Meet at Stanley Quarter Park in New Britain on Saturday. The women's team posted a sixth place finish out of nine teams, while the men finished seventh overall, out of nine teams.
The women's team was led by Stefanie Lombardi, who finished eighth overall out of 88 total runners. The sophomore finished the two-mile course in a time of 11:47, just 16 seconds off the race leader, Erica Jesseman from the University of New Hampshire. New Hampshire placed its five lead runners in the top-10, taking home the team title.
Elizabeth Foster finished second for Hartford. She completed the course in a time of 12:16, finishing 28th overall. Also running for the women's team was Leanna Godfrey (32nd, 12:21), Kaycee Martinez (50th, 12:40), Ariana Bass (58th, 12:58), Jacqueline Minkler (61st, 13:03) and Jennifer Krupski (73rd, 13:24).
The men's team was led by freshman Jonas Hampton, who finished in 17th place overall, out of 84 total runners, with a time of 16:16 over the five-kilometer course. Hmpton's time was 1:15 off the race leader Alex Felce from Stony Brook. The Seawolves won the team title, placing all five of their top runners in the top-10.
Matthew Le finished second for Hartford with his time of 17:06, good for 41st place overall. Also running for the Hawks was Michael Dionne (57th, 17:49), Frederic Langford (63rd, 18:07), Jordan Pike (67th, 18:22), Wes Melnik (71st, 18:36) and Alex Ivanov (73rd, 18:46).
The cross country teams will next compete at the America East Championships next Saturday at Stony Brook University. The women's race is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. with the men's race to follow.
