The women’s team took seventh place in the event, which was held at Gordon College in Wenham, MA.,Despite muddy conditions and a steady downpour, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams finished higher in the standings than ever before at the Pop Crowell Invitational on Sept. 23.

The women’s team took seventh place in the event, which was held at Gordon College in Wenham, MA.

Also taking seventh place was freshman Ariel Tweto. Tweto’s finish was out of 150 runners in the individual standings, one minute and eight seconds behind the leader. She was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Runner of the Week for her performance in her first-ever collegiate meet.

“I got first place for our conference, which was surprising,” Tweto said. “I didn’t think I would do that well, but my teammates are pushing me every day, so I’m improving.”

The men’s team placed seventh in the invitational as well, with senior Co-Captain John Weselcouch coming in 13th place, one minute and twenty-three seconds behind the first-place finisher.

The teams have been performing strongly despite the unpredictable weather.

Both teams competed well on Sept. 29 in a meet at Rivier College in Nashua, N.H.

The men’s team finished first out of nine teams, while the women’s team was second out of ten.

Weselcouch led the men’s team, finishing second overall, and Amy Kitson finished third place overall to lead the women.

The men’s team has a record of 24-6, while the women’s team is 23-7.

These strong records reflect the dedication the team has put forth this season.

“Both teams have been working really hard and should make a good run at the conference title this year,” coach John Furey said.

“We have a great team,” sophomore Mike Lower said.

“Collin Gately and Gideon Bautista are two new freshmen phenoms. With their help, and the guidance from our senior captains, John [Weselcouch] and Nate Larkin-Connolly, we have a legitimate shot at the championship.”

Sophomore Nicole Silva said, “We’ve got a lot of new faces on the team this year, both freshmen and upperclassmen, and they’ve definitely brought a lot of talent.”

The teams kicked off the season with an exhibition meet at Daniel Webster College on Sept. 15, also in Nashua.

Although the teams finished well, they experienced a few setbacks along the course.

“The officials sent runners the wrong way multiple times during the meet,” junior Patrick Keyes said. “And everybody’s finish times were screwed up.”