WESTFIELD, Mass. – The Johnson & Wales University cross country teams were back on the trail Saturday at the James Earley Invitational, hosted by Westfield State at Stanley Park. The men's team had four runners turn in season-best times while the women had one.
The men's team finished 26th with 653 points, finishing just three points behind Division II Saint Rose. The women's team notched 754 points to also come in 26th.
For the second week in a row, rookie Victoria Barlow (Riverhead, N.Y.) improved her season-best time. She was the first JWU runner across the line in 20:24.67. Following her was senior Mary Kelly (Wheaton, Ill.) at 21:44.19 and Alison King (San Diego, Calif.) crossed the line in 23:34.75. Hannah Blossom (Westchester, Pa.) notched a time of 23:35.54 and sophomore Isabella Defrancesco (Boston, Mass.) posted a 25:23.27 in her first collegiate meet.
Leading the pack for the men was freshman Cole Geraghty (Bogota, N.J.) in 28:56.75. Turning in a season-best time of 29:08.40 was senior David Sherman (Yarmouthport, Mass.). Surpassing his fastest time for the third meet this year was junior Alex Nathan (Beachwood, Ohio) with a 30:57.37. Beating his top time by over a minute was Nick Pereira (Franklin, Mass.) at 31:50.59 while Alex Prusky (Schenectady, N.Y.) recorded a season-best mark of 31:34.37.
JWU travels to Boston on Friday to take part in the Saints Invitational, hosted at Franklin Park.
Women's Results
64. Victoria Barlow 20:24.67
150. Mary Kelly 21:44.19
198. Alison King 23:34.75
199. Hannah Blossom 23:35.54
220. Isabella Defrancesco 25:23.27
Men's Results:
86. Cole Geraghty 28:56.75
94. David Sherman 29:08.40
151. Alex Nathan 30:57.62
170. Alex Prusky 31:34.37
178. Nicholas Pereira 31:50.59
255. Joshua Johnson 41:42.00