ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy women's cross country team captured the team title at the Cantello Invitational in the Women's Varsity 6K on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the USNA Cross Country Course, finishing with at team-low 27 points and an average time of 22:17.5.
 
Navy defeated George Washington (43 points), UMBC (65), and Loyola (102).
 
"Our focus today was replicating last week's tactical execution – staying patient through a controlled 4K as a pack and really attacking that final 2K," head coach Kim Lewnes stated. "The team held a remarkably tight pack past the 2-mile until the hill began to separate the field. I was thrilled with how everyone responded."
 
While George Washington junior Hadley Mahoney won the individual race in 21:39.8, Navy relied on pack running, placing its five scoring runners in the top 10 overall with a tight 32-second scoring spread. Sophomore Juliet Frum led the Navy squad, finishing second overall with a time of 21:58.3. Junior Madeline Palmisciano placed fourth at 22:15.6, and sophomore Catalina Simon followed closely in sixth at 22:17.4.
 
Rounding out the scoring for Navy were senior team captain Susie Heinz, who took eighth in 22:25.6, and freshman Sam Vanderhave, who finished ninth in 22:30.3.
 
Navy's depth was further highlighted by its displacers; junior Paige Sheiffele and freshman Lucy Myers finished 10th and 13th overall with times of 22:35.4 and 22:41.9, respectively.
 
"We saw huge individual improvements across the board," added Lewnes. "Juliet provided fantastic leadership out on the course, while Madeline and Catalina made noticeable leaps from last year in their execution. Susie continues to set the standard as a captain, building a foundation of connection both on and off the course that pays off in moments like today. It was also great to see Sam round out our top five as a plebe."
 
Senior Caroline Carter (22:42.2), freshman Regan Schultz (22:51.1), senior Susanna Henderson (22:52.1), and junior Amelie Loomis (23:04.0) finished in the top 20, claiming 14th, 16th, 17th, and 20th, respectively. Sophomore Eleanor Whistler (23:05.1), sophomore Lorraine Goldenberg (23:23.4), senior Ava Ostrowski (23:29.8), and freshman Liesel Sellerberg (23:34.6) also competed in the 6K race.
 
In the Open 5K, freshmen Audrey Dunn and Hannah O'Neill led Navy. Dunn paced the Midshipmen by placing fourth overall in 19:35.5, while O'Neill claimed seventh place overall in 19:50.2. Junior Marianna Pizem (ninth, 19:56.5) and freshman Kenzie Phillips (10th, 20:05.7) also secured top-10 overall finishes for the Midshipmen, followed by sophomore Caroline Montemaro in 15th place (20:46.3) to round out the Mids' top five. Freshman Sofia Brandenburg (21:00.7) and junior Stella Perazzini (21:54.2) completed the seven-runner Navy squad.
 
"Overall, it was a very complete performance that gives us great momentum as we prepare to step up the pace next week in Terre Haute on the National Championship course."
 
Up next, Navy will head to Terre Haute, Indiana for the John McNichols Invitational hosted by the Indiana State on Saturday, Sept. 19.