HOUGHTON, N.Y.—The William Smith cross country team made impressive strides at the Houghton Highlander Invitational this afternoon. Nine of the 10 Herons competing in today's 6-kilometer race posted season's best times, while the 10th runner was competing at that distance for the first time.
 

"I'm really proud of how our team competed and supported one another today. This was a true breakout performance across the board, and it showed the strength of our group. The confidence and momentum we gained today will be huge as we head into championship season." –William Smith Head Coach Tyler Wilkie

 
Senior Hope Johnson led the way, finishing 32nd out of 188 runners. Her time of 23:45.1 was the 8th fastest 6K in William Smith history and marked a 32.1 second improvement on her season's best time. Sophomore Megan Ingraham was the second Heron across the line, stopping the clock at 25:30.7 to finish 95th. She lowered her season's best time by 25.1 seconds.
 
HERON HIGHLIGHTS

• Hope Johnson, 32nd, 23:45.1
• Megan Ingraham, 95th, 25:30.7
• Zoe Kusyk, 108th, 25:48.1
• Salma Menkari, 109th, 25:49.8
• Joan Reichert, 123rd, 26:19.1

 
Misericordia, behind overall winner Madison Hedglin (21:14.6), won the team title by 34 points over runner-up RIT. William Smith finished 12th, 10 points behind 11th place Mansfield and 27 points ahead of 13th place Nazareth.
 
The Herons will return to action Saturday, Oct. 18 when they host the annual Cross Country Only Conference Championships at Seneca Lake State Park. William Smith is the three-time defending champion, while Johnson is the defending individual champion.