PSC Women's XC Places Third at USCAA Nationals

PAUL SMITHS, N.Y. – Following their win at the Yankee Small College Conference XC Championships, the women's cross country team finished the season with a third place team finish at the USCAA Nationals held in Virginia Beach on Friday 12 November.  

YSCC Champion, Jessie Church led the way as she has done all season, placing 12^th in a time of 28:17.  She was followed in 14^th place by fellow freshman, Ellen Haas in 28:35.  Church and Haas earned second team USCAA All American honors.  The women's team finished with 94 points, edging D'Youville by a single point to claim third place. 

SUNY ESF won the women's 6K championship, led by Bryce Hopper and Cassidy Engleson finishing in the top two spots.  Hopper finished in 24:51 while Engleston finished in 25:38.  Penn State – Fayette placed second with 47 points, and had three women in the top seven who earned first team All American honors. 

 Melody Ascioti was the third Smitty to finish with a time of 30:35 and a 19^th place finish.  

After the race, Coach Jim Tucker said, "This has been a great trio of freshmen who have led the team all season as they consistently finished in the top 10 - 25% each weekend.  Jessie has been dealing with a nagging injury since prior to the YSCC Championships, and through the work of the athletic trainer and her perseverance, she was able to run well enough to guide the team to a top three performance."

Ellie Judice finished in 32:54 to claim 31^st, while Michelle Martineau rounded out the scoring five with a time of 41:56.  Other Bobcat finishers include Alexa Adams in 43:15; Awinita Stasilli in 47:02 and Angela Flores in 47:24. 

Tucker continued, "The women's team has finished as high as fourth place as a team at USCAA Nationals in 2010 and 2011, but third place is the highest team finish for the women in program history.  This team from the first finisher to the last ~ they support one another from start to finish.  This year's team has fun together and are supportive of their teammates and their fellow athletes. They are a true breath of fresh air during these times when we need it most." 

On the men's side, Captain Zack Sprott-Scribner completed the 8K course in 31:39 to pace the team, crossing the line in 27^th place overall.  John Thompson placed 35^th in 32:10, followed by Brady Miller in 33:20 in 39^th position.  Connor Flynn finished in 35:23, followed by Nate Shader in 36:00 to round out the scoring five finishers.  

Issoufou Garba Hama had his best race of the season, finishing in 36:47, followed by Carson Wohlers in 37:41, and Camryn Weber in 38:00.  Ian Montgomery – Gerht rounded out the Bobcat finishers with a time of 39:51.  

The men's team placed 8^th overall in the USCAA National championships with 15 schools taking part.  SUNY ESF won the men's race with 32 points, followed by Warren Wilson with 68 points.  Fellow YSCC member, NHTI placed third with 85 points, while Dine College from New Mexico placed fourth with 129 points.  

The runners are preparing for Nordic ski racing and snowshoe racing this winter as they transition into these winter sports.  We look forward to several podium finishes through the winter from our endurance athletes.   

2021 Cross Country Team

                             USCAA Nationals at the Military Aviation Museum

                                Virginia Beach, VA

Date: 12 November 2021

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