The St. Lawrence University women's cross country team is set to get their season started in the North Country on the upcoming weekend. With a mix of upper-class runners and a group of first-years, head coach Hate Howard is looking forward to the fall.

"We're excited to kick off the 2025 cross country season at the Plattsburgh Cardinal Classic on Saturday," said Howard. "We have a talented group of returning team members and a terrific group of newcomers who are excited to wear the Scarlet and Brown for the first time.  

Our Captains Adriana Cecchetelli and Cameran Stone have shown tremendous leadership with this group throughout the summer and for our early season team training trip at Camp Canaras in the Adirondacks.  We are looking forward to Adriana and Cami continuing to guide the team throughout the season."

Cecchetelli's leadership skills also comes with leading by example. She has made two appearances in the NCAA championships back in 2022 and 2023. Her tendency to rise to the occasion on big stages serves her well in a leadership capacity. She has a six-kilometer personal-best of 22:35.6, which came at the NCAA Mideast Regional in 2023.

She also placed 13th in the Liberty League championship at Ronald C. Hoffmann Cross Country Course last year — a scene where the Saints will see themselves plenty of times in 2025.

A local to the North Country, Stone is looking to repeat a strong 2022 Cardinal Classic this weekend, where she placed 10th overall in her first-year campaign.

The Saints also see Avery Blanchard returning to the roster as a sophomore, after a successful first-year campaign that saw her reach the NCAA championships for the Saints as one of two represenatives from the roster. 

"One of the most exciting opportunities this fall is hosting both the Liberty League Conference Championships and the NCAA Mideast Regional here at home on the Ronald C. Hoffmann Cross Country Course," said Howard, who enters her 10th season guiding the Saints women's cross country program. "There's nothing quite like racing at home with teammates, families, alumni, and the community out on the course cheering us on."

Last season saw St. Lawrence host the Liberty League championship on the Hoffmann, placing third overall. A good crop of that group returns this year.

"This group has the talent, toughness, and togetherness to make it a memorable season," Howard continued. "With steady progress and a commitment to the process, we're confident we can be at our best when it matters most, right here at home."

Elsewhere among returners, juniors Charlotte Blake, Quinn Sirgany, and Carly Zack bring valuable experience and leadership to the squad, while sophomores Alivia Hopsicker, Berit Meyers, Paige Poirier, and Elle Waite look to build on their promising first-year seasons.

First-years Mia Astrauskas, Madison Beaudoin, and Ellie Riley add new energy and talent to the roster.

Runners will toe the line at 11:45 a.m. Saturday in Plattsburgh, N.Y.