WXC: Richard leads Lasers at Colby-Sawyer Invitational in season opener

NEW LONDON, N.H. – The Lasell University women's cross country team made its season debut Saturday morning, competing in the Colby-Sawyer College Charger Invitational at the Morris Trail.

Freshman Aly Richard (New Hartford, Conn.) had an impressive collegiate debut for the Lasers, finishing the 5K course in 23:17 to place 13th out of 44 runners. Senior Emma Vierling (Monmouth, Maine) was the next Laser across the finish line, crossing in 24th place in 25:03.

Rounding out Lasell's top five were freshman Molly Cochrane (Raymond, Maine) in 26:58, senior Averie Greeley (Ledyard, Conn.) in 27:09, and senior Sophie Fistori (Dartmouth, Mass.) in 30:05.

Colby-Sawyer had three of the top four finishers to win the team title with 29 points. Plymouth State (52) was runner-up, followed by Saint Joseph's of Maine (62), UMaine Farmington (96), Norwich University (125) and Lasell (138).

The Lasers are tentatively scheduled to get back into action next Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Smith College Invitational.

-- 30 --