The St. Lawrence University women's cross country team put together a steady team performance in front of hundreds of Saints faithful at the Ronald C. Hoffmann Cross Country Course, as they hosted the NCAA Mideast Regional and finished ninth overall, led by a top-25 finish from Avery Blanchard.

"I'm very proud of our effort today and a result that showed we're running our best when it counts: during the championship season," said Saints head coach Kate Howard.  "Being able to race here at home on the Hoffmann Cross Country Course is such an advantage. Our alumni, professors, family, friends, and fans really brought the energy which we felt every step of the way for 6000 meters."  

Blanchard set the tone early, putting herself as high as 17^th, and held her position throughout the race. She crossed the line in 22:37.1 to place 21st, continuing her emergence on the top end of the Saints' roster.

Charlotte Blake followed as the second Saint, placing 35th in 23:00.2. Both Blake and Blanchard took home All-Region honors with their finishes.

Madison Beaudoin delivered one of her best efforts of the fall. She finished 47th in 23:17.0 and provided a major boost in the third scoring spot. Quinn Sirgany ran 23:27.8 for 52nd, giving the Saints another reliable placing inside the top 60.

Carly Zack completed the scoring in 23:53.2 for 68th, closing the gap and helping St. Lawrence secure a top ten team finish.

Cameran Stone added depth with a 24:32.1 result, and sophomore Paige Poirier finished in 25:19.9.

With five runners inside the top 70 and a balanced performance throughout the lineup, the Saints now await NCAA selections, scheduled for Sunday. The NCAA Championship is scheduled for Saturday, November 22 in Spartanburg, S.C.