WENHAM, Mass. - In a race full of competitive New England schools, the Lesley University cross-country team gave a strong showing at the Pop Crowell Invitational.
On the men's side, Frannie Cusick (Lexington, Mass.) finished 22nd overall with a time of 28:09 in the 8K race and freshman Charlotte Goff (Osterville, Mass.) crossed the line 38th overall at 20:56 in the women's 5K race. Heather Peng (Palo Alto, Calif.) came in close behind Goff at 21:19 taking 47th place.
The story of the day for the Lynx, however, was the impressive performance from the team's number three runner Ella Stiler-Cote (Kennebunkport, Me.). On a cool day, Ella ran a smart race, finishing strong towards the end where she sprinted hard to the finish line passing three people along the way. Her intelligent running and determination at the Pop Crowell Invitational helped shave one whole minute off her time from the previous week.
Ella, a junior studying Elementary Education/Creative Writing and a community advisor, has practiced endlessly all season to improve her times. During practice Ella is a hard worker and always asks to run more than what is expected. Head coach Dan Flynn commented on her performance Saturday at the Pop Crowell, "I was so proud of Ella. She has always had endurance, but I think she found her speed at the Pop Crowell Race. Her effort can only mean good things for what is to come in the next four weeks. I hope others on the team follow her lead."
The Lynx will be in action again this Saturday October 6 at Fresh Pond in Cambridge, MA. To learn more about the Lesley University cross-country team, please visit their website.