Avery Blanchard posted her personal-best result in the Cardinal Classic, as the St. Lawrence women's cross country team opened its season at the five-kilometer race hosted by Plattsburgh State on Saturday morning. The team finished first overall in the contest.

Blanchard took first place in 19:03.9, her second career victory at the race. It marked a collegiate 5K best for the junior and came 17 seconds faster than her previous best on the Plattsburgh course, which St. Lawrence races annually as its only 5K test of the season.

"We took advantage of a great opportunity to put the uniform and racing shoes on for the first time today," said Saints head coach Kate Howard. "We're starting to learn who we will be as a team this season and it's great to see the strength of our racing packs and pairs starting to develop."
 
"Avery was impressive in her win and it was great to see the 1-4 sweep with Charlotte, Madison, and Quinn coming in close together. These 5K results will give us some nice confidence and excitement as we look ahead to stepping up to the 6K distance at home on the Hoffmann Course in two weeks."

Madison Beaudoin placed second in 19:07.2, her second runner-up finish at the race in two seasons. Charlotte Blake finished third in 19:17.1, and Quinn Sirgany was fourth in 19:23.8.

Carly Zack placed seventh in 19:52.2. Ellie Riley finished ninth in 20:05.5, a personal record by 55 seconds, and Elle Waite rounded out the scoring in 10th with a personal-record time of 20:12.2.

St. Lawrence now readies for the Hoffmann Invitational, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at the Ronald C. Hoffmann Cross Country Course on the campus of St. Lawrence.

St. Lawrence Top Seven
1. Avery Blanchard – 19.03.9
2. Madison Beaudoin – 19:07.2
3. Charlotte Blake – 19:17.1
4. Quinn Sirgany – 19.23.8
7. Carly Zack – 19:52.2
9. Ellie Riley – 20:05.5
10. Elle Waite – 20:12.2