Replicating the start of last season, the Amherst women’s cross country team took first place at the Smith Invitational on Saturday. In the 196-runner field, the Jeffs’ top seven finishers were all in the top-25, securing Amherst’s first place finish with 42 points. Rounding out the top three were Conn. College (84) and Wellesley (100).

Lexi Sinclair ’16 led the field, crossing the finish tape at 19:21.10. Her performance was the second year in a row that she garnished the individual crown at the invitational. She managed to beat her previous winning time by a full seven seconds.

“I was happy with my performance,” said Sinclair. “I have not been able to make it through a full season yet due to injuries, but I had a solid summer of training, and I’m really excited to be healthy and competing again.”

Not far behind Sinclair was Savannah Gornisiewicz ’17, whose 19:51.80 finish slated her third overall. Nicky Roberts ’18 completed the top three for Amherst with her time of 20:06.70. Among the top 20 runners were senior co-captains. Jessie Kaliski (20:16.60) and Lizzy Briskin (20:46.50) as well. Betsy Black ’16 and Kelli Ellingson ’15 were other top finishers for the Jeffs, taking 21st and 25th overall, respectively.

“Having so many upperclassmen as our top runners will really give us an advantage this fall,” Sinclair said.

“We have all been running together for a few years now and have learned each others’ strengths and weaknesses. I think that if we continue to work together, we should have a pretty good shot at making it to Nationals in November,” the junior added.
The Jeffs will return to action this Saturday, Sept. 13 at UMass Amherst for the annual UMass Invitational.