ROCHESTER, NY -- The Alfred University women's cross country team took part in the NCAA Division III Niagara Regional race, coming home 22nd.

"Very proud of the Saxons today! We had six women compete today and three of them ran a personal best, or were within four seconds of their best," Head Coach Matt Phillips '10 said. "A fourth was forty seconds off her best time ever. This women's team is entirely composed of sophomores and first years. The progress they have made already is very impressive. Next in their sights is to change gears and head to the track. We will use the next three weeks to incorporate some speed work into their training."

Sophomore Alivia Kocan (Hornell, NY/Arkpot Central) led the way for Saxons, holding her gaining 19 positions in the 6K with a time of 26:37.1. Not far behind was Vladyslava Markarenko (Berdychiv, Ukraine/Lyceum 23), clocking in at 26:50.8.

The following three Alfred University runners came across the line separated by under three seconds. The three freshmen of Nyah Allen (Schenectady, NY/Mohonasen), Morgan Brinkmann (Manchester, MO/Parkway South), and Sydney Ribble (Addison, NY/Addison) all came across at 27:53.1, 27:54.2, and 27:55.8, respectively. 

Mahina Elchibekova (Ishkoshim, Tajukistan/I.Ismailov School #21/Middlebury Union) wrapped up the Saxons' day, netting a time of 28:17.1. Each of AU's runners moved up the pecking order as the race went on, gaining momentum heading to the finish line.

For many racers, they'll look to carry that momentum into the incoming track season and next fall's cross country season.