ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy women's cross country team (0-1) dropped a 21-35 to Army (1-0) in the Women's 6K race in the annual Star Meet, which is part of the overall Army-Navy Star Series presented by USAA on Saturday morning at the USNA Cross Country Course in Annapolis.
 
While the Black Knights took the team title behind Mikayla Cheney's winning time of 21:18.2, the Midshipmen utilized strong pack running, posting a tight 1-5 spread of 33.2 seconds and an average finish time of 21:53.1.
 
"Losing to Army is always tough, but I'm proud of how the team fought today," head coach Kim Lewnes said after the race. "The women executed the race plan well, and even though it hurts missing our captain, Susie Heinz, our runners truly stepped up and raced for each other."
 
Senior Lexi Ensor paced the Navy squad, earning a third-place overall finish in 21:35.6. Junior Madeline Palmisciano followed in sixth place at 21:51.0. Freshman Brianne Duynstee and sophomore Juliet Frum crossed the line back-to-back in seventh (21:53.7) and eighth (21:56.4), respectively. Sophomore Catalina Simon completed Navy's scoring five, securing 11th place with a time of 22:08.7.
 
"Juliet showed great leadership out there today, even if she wasn't quite able to finish as strong as she wanted," Lewnes continued. "It was great seeing Lexi Ensor back in true form, and I know it was deeply meaningful for her to represent the senior class in Susie's place. Maddie Palmisciano kept our top five tightly connected and continues to build a strong season, while Bri Duynstee showed why her future here is so bright as she leads a fantastic plebe group. Catalina rounded out our top five with a solid step forward from her last two races, and she still has room to grow."
 
Seniors Ava Ostrowski (22:12.0) and Lillee Tang (22:23.5) also factored into the top 15 for the Midshipmen, placing 12th and 14th as displacers.
 
"It's been incredible to watch Ava Ostrowski's growth over four years – to see her put together the best race of her career today speaks volumes about her dedication. Having Lillee Tang back in our top seven is huge, and this performance will give her the confidence for races ahead."
 
Freshman Lucy Myers (22:26.2), freshman Sam Vanderhave (22:57.1), sophomore Eleanor Whisler (23:04.9), freshman Emily Downing (23:27.9), and junior Paige Sheiffele (23:37.9) also competed for the Midshipmen.
 
"It was a much closer battle than last year, and while we fell short at the end, that grit is exactly what we need. We've finished third at the conference championship the last couple of years, but this group is ready to rise up the ranks."
 
Saturday's competition marked the conclusion of Navy's regular season as the Midshipmen will turn their attention to action at the 2026 Patriot League Championship on Saturday, October 31.