Freshman Carrie Hoestermann placed ninth in the Little Three Championship

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Niagara University cross country teams performed well at the annual  Little Three Championship, held on the campus of St. Bonaventure University Saturday morning.

The men's team finished first totaling 27 points, earning a one-point victory over host St. Bonaventure. Freshman Tom Caracci posted the only sub-30 minute time for Niagara, finishing in fourth with an official time of 29:39. Following closely behind were co-captains Dan Pace and Paul Elliott, finishing sixth and seventh, respectively. Just two seconds behind Elliott was Rocco Paone, who posted a time of 30:41 to earn an eighth-place finish. The squad was rounded out by Gary Raby (12th), Justin Eisenman (14th) and Chris Smith (16th).

On the women’s side, the team finished in third place with 52 points. Three runners placed in the top-10, including senior captain Becca Warmack. Her time of 21:35 in the 5,000-meter race marked a season-best for the Idaho Springs, Colo. native.

The team’s lone freshman placed ninth with a time of 22:07, followed closely by sophomore Carrie Hoestermann, who crossed the line in 22:13. Senior Mary Ellen Uschold finished 12th in the race, while Mary Pieklo and Christina Newlands placed 15th and 16th, respectively.

The teams have two weeks to gear up for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championships held at Manhattan College, Oct. 31, beginning at 2:30 p.m.