In a day filled with surprises and emotion, the women’s cross country team emerged out of the Patriot League Championships as second-place finishers by virtue of a tiebreaker.

After the 6,000-meter race hosted by Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., the Bison and defending champion Boston finished with 52 points each, which initially was celebrated as a co-championship. After 30 minutes of celebrating, the Bison were sadly informed by a meet official that they in fact had lost a tie-breaker to Boston for first as a result of a new 2013 rule that the NCAA had put into place.

Katie Jessee ’15 led the way for the Bison with her second career All-Patriot League recognition after finishing in third place out of 107 runners (20:59.30). Montana DiPietrantonio ’15 finished close behind in eighth place (21:19.20), followed by Kate Scott ’17 in 12th place (21:26.40), and Sarah Chandler ’17 in 14th place (21:27.40). Christine Bendzinski ’18 rounded out the top-five Bison right behind Chandler in 15th place (21:29.10).

“It may have not been the end result that we wanted by tying and losing on a tie-breaker, but we went out and ran to win. Despite it being cold, everyone was on their A-game. Everyone was so happy after the race. I was very excited because I ran my fastest time yet for a 6k. This was a great race that showed all of our hard work will lead into a strong track and field season,” Chandler said.

There was another tie in this championship for third and fourth place between Army and Navy, who both finished with 70 points.

With another stellar performance under their belts, the Bison now look forward to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional on Nov. 14 in State College, Pa.