The Amherst women’s cross-country team started the new season strong with a first-place finish at the Smith Invitational this past Saturday, Sept. 9.

Competing against a field comprised entirely of Massachusetts schools, Amherst dominated the race, placing five runners in the top 10 out of a field of 95 runners. The team scored 28 points, well ahead of second-place finisher Westfield State University, who scored 83 points.

“We have been very focused during practice, and I think that translated to strong races,” Kristin Ratliff ’20, Amherst’s top finisher, said.