The women’s cross country team took to the course on the West Fields on Sept. 2 for the Bison Open. The Orange and Blue competed against Susquehanna University and Juniata College over a three-mile course, dominating the competition. Kate Scott ’17 swept the whole field, winning with a time of 16:51, 22 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher.

Despite opening their season with a race just this weekend, the Bison have been preparing for weeks.

“Headed into the race we were coming off of a very high volume training cycle, so our strong performance leaves us feeling optimistic about the remainder of the season,” Elizabeth Sheprow ’17 said. “Within the upcoming weeks we hope to collectively strengthen and improve our performances, in order to work towards our goals of competing with the top teams in the Mid-Atlantic region.”

The Bison took the top 11 places, with Sarah Chandler ’17 coming in after Scott at 17:13. Sheprow was just behind at 17:30, followed by Jenna Farmer ’19, Grace Loh ’17, Colleen Buckley ’19, Margaret Thomson ’19, Lauren Hazzard ’19, Brennan Sharkey ’18, Kathleen Fitzgerald ’17, and Anna Chiodo-Ortiz ’19.

“The Bison Open has always been a fun first meet for our team,” Chandler said. “It is the first time our new members put on that orange uniform and every member of the team races. We try to work together in order to develop some groups so that no one races alone. We push ourselves and see where we are at and what we need to work on.”

“After about three months of cross country training, it was exciting to finally dress in our uniforms and begin the competitive season,” Sheprow said. “The Bison Open provided us with a more secure sense of the depth and talent we suspected our team would have this season.”

As defending Patriot League champions, the Orange and Blue have proven they are competitive and ready to continue dominating this season. The Bison will be back on the course on Sept. 10 at the Detroit Titan Invitational in Northville, Mich.

“There were some people who were happier than others after the race, yet regardless, it was one of the best Bison Opens our team has ever had,” Chandler said. “With that said, I believe that the whole team is excited to race again and keep improving.”