GALLOWAY, N.J. – The Cedar Crest College cross country team finished 21^st at the NCAA Division III Metro Regional Championships on Saturday, collecting 691 points. The meet was hosted by Stockton University.
"I don't think this team has quite realized what a big achievement this season was," said Head Cross Country Coach Jaryd Flank. "Today we brought five first-years and a season with one prior year of cross country experience and improved seven places from last year."
 
A total of 25 teams competed in the 6k women's championship.
 
Leading the way for the Falcons was first-year Erica Cook (Deming, Wash./Mount Baker) placing 112^th overall and completing the 6K course in 26:31.2.
 
First-year Giada Smith (Springtown, Pa./Palisades) placed 146^th with a time of 29:29.4.
 
First-year Kasia Dos Santos (Slatington, Pa./Northern Lehigh) took 157^th, clocking a time of 31:10.6.
 
Senior Laura Blanco (Allentown, Pa./Louis E. Dieruff) completed the course in 32:50.7, placing 164^th.  
 
First-year Abby Adams (Suffolk, Va./Lakeland) placed 171^st with a 34:10.3 finish.
 
First-year Lexy Jones (Tamaqua, Pa./Tamaqua Area Senior) rounded out the runners in the field for Cedar Crest with a 177^th place finish and a time of 35:41.1.

"We are laying a great foundation for the future of Cedar Crest College cross country," continued Flank. "It was an absolute privilege to watch these women grow throughout the season. Lastly, big shoutout to Laura on finishing her cross country career with a huge three and a half minute PR."

This concludes the 2024 season for Cedar Crest.

(Story Written By Emily Demarest)