Williamstown, MA- The Williams Women's Cross Country team secured the win today at Williams' signature home meet the Purple Valley Classic, hosted at Mount Greylock Regional School. The team scored 29 points just a single point ahead of RPI, and well ahead of New Paltz St, SUNY Delhi, and Hartford.
The race was made a bit unusual when the women's field took a wrong turn in the first loop of the course, adding an extra half mile.The total race distance came out to be 4.2 miles, or just under 7k. The Ephs nonetheless showed their impressive endurance over the hills and the added distance.
The team was led by Kate Tuttle, running a time of 25:58, with teammates Jordan Liss-Riordan, Tamar Byl-Brann, Kate Swann, and Ella Kirkwood finishing behind her. "It was so fun racing on our home course today," Kate enthused. "So many alums and Ephs came to cheer us on, and it was such a great day to celebrate our seniors! It was definitely unexpected to run off course for a while, but having the support of the whole team helped us finish strong and secure an exciting team win! I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do heading into mid-season and championship meets!".Â
Of the unusual race today and the exciting win, Eph head coach Dusty Lopez commented- "Our women's team showed so much resilience today. Our lineup has been depleted by illness and injuries, so when the field was unexpectedly diverted down the wrong trail, it could have really thrown people off. But instead, they rallied very well and we came from behind to win. I have to particularly note our first years, who were expecting the adjustment to their first 6k and instead got to race almost 7k. Very impressive stuff from the group."
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