MADISON, CONN. - The Niagara men's and women's cross country teams competed in the 2010 MAAC Championships on Friday, with freshman Kim Vona leading Niagara for the fifth straight event by finishing in 16th place out of 124 runners in the women's 6k event in a time of 22:28. 

Kim's performance at the 2010 MAAC Championships was the best individual effort since then-senior Julie Dickhans finished in fourth place in the 2007 event in a time of 22:53. Vona's top-20 finish helped Niagara to a sixth place (181) place in the competition, the best finish by the women's team since the 2006 event.

Behind Vona was sophomore Nicole Mehlman (29th Place - 23:04), sophomore Lindsey Philips (33rd Place - 23:15), freshman Stephanie Schmidt (43rd Place - 23:41) and Alyssa Tusang (60th Place - 25:07).

Iona (21) took the overall women's title, while Canisius (58), Loyola (71), Marist (106) and Fairfield (156) finished ahead of the Purple Eagles. Niagara defeated Rider (185), Manhattan (205), Saint Peter's (258) and Siena (259). Points wise, this was Niagara's best performance since the 2006 event, where Niagara netted 146 points.

The men's team was led by senior Mike Trendell, who navigated the 8k course in 18th place out of 130 runners, in a time of 25:57. Behind Trendell was freshman Sam Reedy (33rd Place - 26:34), senior Brian Traugott (42nd Place - 26:47), freshman Vincent Donner (43rd Place - 26:51) and senior Jason Fischer (47th Place - 27:01).

Iona took the overall men's title, while Marist (53), Rider (115), Fairfield (130), Manhattan (144), Loyola (160) and Canisius (175) finished ahead of Niagara. The Purple Eagles (183) defeated Siena (270) and Saint Peter's (282). Points wise, this was Niagara's best performance since the 2006 event, where Niagara netted 150 points.

The Purple Eagles finish the 2010 season when they compete at the 2010 NCAA Northeast Regionals on Nov. 13.