After traveling to Hamilton, N.Y. on Oct. 31, the women’s cross country team dominated Colgate’s Harry H. Lang Cross Country Course to ultimately win the conference title. Finishing with a strong score of 34 points, the Orange and Blue claimed six of the 14 possible All-Patriot League awards. Many of the Bison track and field athletes also made the four-hour trip to support their teammates. Blue and Orange pride was evident across the course.

The Bison women held three of the top four spots. Kate Scott ’17 finished second overall and first for the Orange and Blue with 21:23. Christine Bendzinski ’18 followed with 21:24, and one second later, Sarah Chandler ’16 crossed the finish line at 21:25. All three runners earned First Team All-Patriot League honors.

“It was a great day for the women’s cross country team. Colgate was a tough course but we stayed tough and everyone ran her best. We have had a goal in mind since our summer training started and we accomplished that goal,” Chandler said. “It has been too long since we won a Cross Country Patriot League title and it was great to be a part of the team that broke that streak. However, that goal is one of many and now we have to keep this momentum going through the end of the season and into track and field!”

Other notable performances include Deanna Godby ’16 and Nora Adams ’16 who claimed 12th and 13th, respectively. During her first season as a Bison, Christine O’Kane ’19 directly followed in 14th.

“Everyone really stepped up on Saturday and gave it their all, and it was so gratifying to finally achieve something we have been working together so long for. I can’t wait to take this momentum and see what we can do at the Regional meet in two weeks. Also, it helped to have the biggest and loudest cheering squad cross county has ever seen,” Kate VanNess ’16 said.

Head coach Kevin Donner was named Patriot League Coach of the Year–he has won this award a total of five times in his 15 years with the Bison.

Men’s cross country claimed sixth place in the Patriot League Championships, with three runners finishing in the top 30. Peter Murray ’16 was the Bison’s top runner and 17th overall with a time of 25:32. Zach Williams ’18 finished 26th while Andrew Kirna ’16 came in at 29th. The Bison now put this behind them and anticipate the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships, which will be held at Princeton on Nov. 13.