Women's Cross Country News

6/7: Kirsti Fitzgerald Named to District 1 Cross Country/Track Team in COSIDA Academic All-America Program

New London, Conn. --Connecticut College senior Kirsti Fitzgerald of Mansfield, Conn. has been named to the District 1 cross country/track team of the COSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) Academic All-America Program.

During the 2002 track season, Fitzgerald set four school records and was a member of a Distance Medley Relay team that was ranked 12th in the nation. Fitzgerald set a course record at the Roger Williams Invitational in her first cross country meet as a junior. She went on to earn All-New England Honors and was voted Rookie of the Year in the same season. Serving as co-captain of the cross country team her senior season, Fitzgerald earned All-Invitational Honors on four different occasions. She finished first out of 52 runners at the Tufts Invitational September 27 and was voted as the team's Most Valuable Player.

A German Studies major, Fitzgerald has been named a Winthrop Scholar, the highest academic honor awarded by Connecticut College. On May 22, 2004, Fitzgerald was named the 2003-2004 Brown-Brooks senior scholar athlete award winner in recognition of her achievements as a student-athlete. She is a three-time selection to the NESCAC All-Academic Team. Fitzgerald has also been honored as a 2003 COSIDA District 1 Academic All-District Performer and as a member of the Division III Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Team.

As a first team selection in the college division, Fitzgerald will advance to the national ballot. The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) selects Academic All-America® teams in 12 programs: football, women’s volleyball, men's soccer, women's soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball, men’s track & field/cross country, women’s track & field/cross country, men’s at-large and women’s at-large. A first team, second team and third team are selected in both the University (Division I and I-AA) and College (Division II, III and NAIA) Divisions.

2/3: Camels Earn Team Academic All-America Honor

Camels Attain Academic All-America Team Honor for 12th Straight Year

NEW LONDON, Conn.--For the 12th consecutive year, the Connecticut College women’s cross country team has attained Academic All-America status from the NCAA Division III Cross Country Coaches Association.

The team honor is bestowed upon the club that has a cumulative grade point average of 3.10 or higher. The Camels have earned this academic honor in every season since the award was initiated in 1992. The 2003 team achieved this honor with an impressive 3.51 GPA.

The Camels are under the direction of head coach Ned Bishop, who is now in his 19th year at the helm. In addition to the team academic award, the Camels also had one individual attain the highest individual academic honor at the college. Kirsti Fitzgerald was one of 14 seniors honored as a Winthrop Scholar. A German Studies major, Fitzgerald was one of the top runners in the region and won the Tufts University Invitational in Grafton, Massachusetts on September 27.

12/10: 2003 Team Awards Announced

The Connecticut College Women’s Cross Country team completed another successful season. The team recently met and voted for some season ending rewards.

2003 Tri-Captains Were Honored Again:

Kirsti Fitzgerald, Elinor Pisano, and Bonnie Prokesch

Most Valuable Runner-Kirsti Fitzgerald

Most Improved Runner-Elinor Pisano

Unsung Heroe-Chloe O'Connell

Rookie of the Year-Brenna Muller

2004 Quad-Captains

Anne Barreca

Caitlin Greeley

Mary McCudden

Meredith Stebbins

2003 Unsung Hero Winner Chloe O'Connell

11/15: Camels Finish 17th at New England Division III Championship

NEW LONDON, Conn.--The Connecticut College Women’s Cross Country team finished 17th out of 44 teams at the New England Division III Championship hosted by the University of Southern Maine at the Twinbrook Recreational Complex in Cumberland, Maine. Nine of the top 10 finishing teams were from the New England Small College Athletic Conference. Middlebury College finished first with 51 points.

The Camels were led by Senior tri-captain Elinor Pisano (Chappaqua, NY) who paced the Camels with a 66th place finish on the 6k course, recording a time of 24:23. Kirsti Fitzgerald (Mansfield, CT) was 85th with a time of 24:38. Freshman Alissa Wantman (Stoneham, MA) was 89th with a time of 24:41.

Brenna Muller (Guilford, CT) finished in 102nd place, recording a time of 25 minutes flat. Allison Zelman (Lakeville, CT) posted a time of 25:27 in 130th place. Laura Bernardi (Guilford, CT) checked in with a time of 26:12 in 151st place. Carly Holbrook (Princeton, MA) recorded a time of 26:53 in 177th place for the Camels.

New England Division III Championship Results

11/8: Holbrook, Barreca Lead Camels at ECAC Championship

NEW LONDON, Conn. --Running within close distance to her hometown of Princeton, Mass., sophomore Carly Holbrook was joined by Anne Barreca (Brooklyn, NY) as the top two Camel finishers at the ECAC Championship in Grafton, Mass.

Holbrook was 83rd overall with a time of 25:50.17 and Barreca finished right on her heels with an 84th place time of 25:50.77. Running without their typical lineup, the Camels were 18th out of 31 teams with a total of 506 points. Williams College won the event with 55 points. Middlebury was second with 60 points followed by Keene State with 76 points.

Sophomore Addie Capaldi (Philadelphia, PA) posted a time of 26:54.80 in 111th place for the Camels. Lindsay Schakenbach, another Central Mass. native was 112th with a time of 26:55.74. Caitlin Greeley (E. Greenwich, RI) checked in with a time of 27:03.81 in 116th place. Meredith Miller (Marblehead, MA) was 129th with a time of 27:57.87. Meaghan Seelaus (Maple Glen, PA) logged a time of 28:00.11 in 140th place.

The Camels are headed back to Cumberland, Maine next Saturday for the New England Division III Championship.

ECAC Championship Results

11/1: Camel Women Finish 10th at NESCAC Championship

NEW LONDON, Conn. –The Connecticut College women’s cross country team finished in 10th place at the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Championship hosted by Middlebury College. The Camels scored 301 points for the 10th place finish. Host Middlebury College won the event with a score of 55 points. Amherst (64) and Williams (77) were the second and third place performers. Four of the Camels top six finishers were freshman running in their first collegiate championship meet.

The talented senior twosome of Kirsti Fitzgerald (Mansfield, CT) and Elinor Pisano (Chappaqua, NY) led the Camels into competition. Fitzgerald finished 45th overall in the 5k meet, posting a time of 20:04.9. Pisano logged a time of 20:55.5 for a 61st place finish. Freshman Brenna Muller (Guilford, CT) finished right behind Pisano in 62nd place with a time of 20:59.1.

Freshmen Alison Zelman (Lakeville, CT) and Alissa Wantman (Stoneham, MA) also recorded back-to-back finishes for the Camels in slot 66 and 67. Zelman posted a time of 21:10.3 while Wantman finished in 21:15.0. Laura Bernardi (Guiford, CT) was 71st for the Camels with a time of 21:44.5. Junior Anne Barreca (Brooklyn, NY) rounded out the top seven finishers with a 74th place finish and a time of 22:16.2. Sophomores Carly Holbrook (Princeton, MA) and Chloe O’Connell (Hamden, CT) completed the course with respective times of 22:24 and 23:13.2 as the eighth and ninth Camel finishers.

The Camel women will return to action next Saturday with a run in the ECAC Division III Championship held in Grafton, Mass.

NESCAC Women’s Championship Results

-Camels-

10/18: Camels Place 5th at Twinbrook Invitational

NEW LONDON, Conn.--The Connecticut College women's cross country program traveled to Cumberland, Maine Saturday afternoon for the Twinbrook Invitational. The Camels made a strong showing, placing fifth in the field of 13 teams with 154 points. Top ranked Trinity College won the women’s invitational with 21 points.

Senior tri-captain Kirsti Fitzgerald (Mansfield, CT) finished third in the 6k invitational, posting a time of 23:15. Fitzgerald’s performance earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Senior captain Elinor Pisano (Chappaqua, NY) finished 19th overall with time of 24:06 for the Camels.

Freshman Brenna Muller (Guilford, CT) placed 31st with a time of 24:44. Allison Zelman (Lakeville, CT) was 46th with a time of 25:10. Alissa Wantman (Stoneham, MA) was 56th with a time of 25:22. Sophomore Chloe O’Connell (Hamden, CT) was 63rd (25:34). Freshman Laura Bernardi (Guilford, CT) was 70th overall (25:48).

Connecticut College’s other finishers included sophomore Carly Holbrook (Princeton, MA) 86th (26:15), Anne Barreca (Brooklyn, NY) 91st (26:22), Lindsay Schakenbach (Jefferson, MA) 113th (27:10), and Caitlin Greeley (E. Greenwich, RI) 123rd (27:38). Meaghan Seelaws (Maple Glen, PA) was 127th (27:46), Meredith Miller (Marblehead, MA) was 135th (28:25), Addie Capaldi (Philadelphia, PA) was 138th and Bonnie Prokesch (Atlanta, GA) finished in slot number 157 (32:53).

Twinbrook Invitational Results

10/10: All-New England Championship Results

NEW LONDON, Conn. --The Connecticut College women’s cross country team was in action Friday morning at the All-New England Championship in Boston, Mass. The Camels finished 32nd out of 44 schools with a total of 863 points. Brown University placed first with 105 points.

Senior captain Kirsti Fitzgerald (Mansfield, CT) was the top finisher for the Camels, finishing 32nd overall with a time of 18:36. Senior captain Elinor Pisano (Chappaqua, NY) was the second Camel to cross the line, posting a time of 19:39 and finishing 127th out of the field of 277. Freshman Brenna Muller (Guilford, CT) was 216th with a time of 20:39.

Allison Zelman (Lakeville, CT) was 235th overall, posting a time of 21:07. Anne Barreca (Brooklyn, NY) logged a time of 21:30 (251) Sophomore Carly Holbrook (Princeton, MA) rounded out the top seven with a finish in 21:49 (260).

The Camels will return to action next Saturday at the Twinbrook Invitational in Cumberland, Maine.

All-New England Championship Results

9/27: Kirsti Fitzgerald Finishes 1st at Tufts University Invitational

NEW LONDON, Conn. --Senior tri-captain Kirsti Fitzgerald (Mansfield, CT) finished first out of a field of 52 runners from six schools, leading the Connecticut College women’s cross country team to a third place finish at the Tuft University Invitational in Grafton, Mass. Fitzgerald, a 2002 All-New England performer, completed the 6K course in 22:43.08.

With sophomores Mary McCudden (Middletown, NJ) and Sally Girouard (Fitchburg, MA) both out of the lineup, the Camels were operating shorthanded for the second consecutive week. The team pulled together and finished third with 60 points.

The hosts of the event, Tufts University captured first place first with 37 points followed by Keene State in second (42 points). Senior captain Elinor Pisano (Chappaqua, NY) finished ninth in the event for Connecticut College, posting a time of 23:56.15. For the second consecutive week, Fitzgerald and Pisano were named to the All-Invitational Team. Both runners were named to the All-Invitational team at UMass Dartmouth last weekend.

Freshman Brenna Muller (Guilford, CT) placed 16th with a time of 24:51.87. Sophomore Chloe O’Connell (Hamden, CT) ran in 24:52.53 for a 17th place finish. Allison Zelman (Lakeville, CT) placed 28th for the Camels with a time of 25:47.68.

Junior Anne Barreca (Brooklyn, NY) was 32nd overall, posting a time of 26:04.75. Freshman Laura Bernardi (Guilford, CT) was 34th with a time of 26:35.69. Connecticut College’s other finishers included Caitlin Greeley (E. Greenwich, RI) 36th (27:28.65), sophomore Carly Holbrook (Princeton, MA) 38th (27:34.85), and Lindsay Schakenbach (Jefferson, MA) 40th (27:43.41). Other Camel finishers were Meredith Miller (Marblehead, MA) 41st (27:44.84), sophomore Meg Meyer (Edina, MN) 46th (28:56.40), Anna Meyer (W. Hartford, CT) 48th (30:07.95), and Caitlin Connors (Boxford, MA) 50th (30:46.91).

“Our goal was to run with better focus and determination and I thought we did that today,” Head Coach Ned Bishop stated. “Overall, we ran much better as a team today than we did in our first two meets.”

Tufts Invitational 6K Grafton, Mass.
1. Tufts 37
2. Keene State 42
3. Connecticut College 60
4. Bentley College 82
5. UMass Boston 145
6. UMass Lowell INC

-Camels-

9/20: Kirsti Fitzgerald and Elinor Pisano Earn All-Invitational Honors at UMass Dartmouth

NEW LONDON, Conn. --Running without two of their top three performers, the Connecticut College women’s cross country team kicked it into second gear Saturday afternoon, finishing 11th out of 38 teams at the UMass Dartmouth Invitational with 256 total points.

Seniors Kirsti Fitzgerald (Mansfield Center, CT) and Elinor Pisano (Chappaqua, NY) merited All-Invitational honors for their runs on the 5k course. Fitzgerald matched her personal best in the 5k distance, finishing 5th overall with a time of 18:15. Pisano celebrated her finest run as a Camel, placing 26th with a time of 19:12 for the Camels.

Trinity College topped the field with a first place finish and 56 points. Amherst College was second with 83 points followed by third place Wellesley College (126 pts). Freshman Brenna Muller (Guilford, CT) was the third Camel to complete the course, posting a time of 20:18 and a 66th place finish. Chloe O’Connell (Hamden, CT) topped her time from last week’s CC Invitational with a run of 20:25 and earned 74th place overall.

Allison Zelman (Lakeville, CT) was 91st overall, finishing in 20:43. Carly Holbrook was the next Camel to cross in slot #117 with a time of 21:20. Anne Barreca (Brooklyn, NY) was 126th with a time of 21:47. 2002 NCAA qualifier Mary McCudden (Middletown, NJ) and Sally Girouard (Fitchburg, MA) did not run for Connecticut College in this event.

UMass Dartmouth Invitational Results

9/13: Camels Finish Sixth in Connecticut College Invitational

NEW LONDON, Conn. --Connecticut College hosted 14 men’s teams and 17 women’s teams for their Annual Connecticut College Cross Country Invitational held at Harkness State Park in Waterford, CT. The Connecticut College women’s team finished sixth out of 17 schools with 54 points and the men were seventh out of 14 teams with 163 points.

Senior captain and 2002 All-New England performer Kirsti Fitzgerald (Mansfield, CT) placed third overall with a time of 18:36. Sophomore Mary McCudden (Middletown, NJ) was 11th overall, posting a time of 19:07. Senior captain Elinor Pisano (Chappaqua, NY) turned in a strong performance for the Camels, placing 37th overall with a time of 20:18. Sophomore Chloe O’Connell (Hamden, CT) capped off her solid pre-season training with a 40th place finish in 20:29.

Freshman Brenna Muller (Guilford, CT) timed out at 21:03 and finished in 62nd place. Allison Zelman (Lakeville, CT) was the next Camel to cross, finishing 80th with a time of 21:24. Sophomore Carly Holbrook (Princeton, MA) finished in 21:44 and freshman Laura Bernardi (Guilford, CT) was the next Camel to cross with a time of 22:04. Lindsay Schakenbach (Jefferson, MA) ran in 22:08 for the Camels. Sophomore Meg Meyer (Edina, MN) posted a time of 22:12. Anne Barreca (Brooklyn, NY) and Addie Capaldi (Philadelphia, PA) were the next finishers, crossing with respective times of 22:33 and 22:53 respectively.

Other Camel finishers included Caitlin Greeley (E. Greenwich, RI) 23:00, Meredith Miller (Marblehead, MA) 23:19, Meaghan Seelaus (Maple Glen, PA) 23:32, Anna Meyer (W. Hartford, CT) 23:50, Gillian Bleimann (New York, NY) 25:44, and Bonnie Prokesch (Atlanta, GA) 27:22.

CC Invitational Women’s Results
1. Trinity 48
2. Williams 60
3. College of New Jersey 86
4. Tufts 116
5. Wellesley 123
6. Connecticut College 141
7. Coast Guard 177
8. Southern Conn. State 255
9. Roger Williams 263
10. UMass-Dartmouth 270
11. Salve Regina 314
12. Babson 373
13. New Haven 386
14. Dowling 426
15. St. Joseph 458
16. Mercy INC
17. Molloy INC

Connecticut College Invitational Results

9/8: 2003 Season Preview: Camels Prepare for Season Opening Meet Saturday

The Connecticut College women’s cross country team has established itself as one of the premier forces in New England Division III competition.

The Camels nearly captured NCAA team-qualifying berths in both 2000 and 2001, falling short by just two spots each time. The 2002 team had to cope with the graduation of three-time All-America Maura Danahy and most of the 2001 varsity lineup, but improved performances by key returnees and the addition of a strong freshman class resulted in another top ten finish in New England. Despite the change in personnel, the Camels were within striking distance of the national qualifying teams and appear poised to make another run this season at advancing to the NCAA Championship.The Connecticut College men’s team earned their first trip to the NCAA’s last fall and the women’s team is eager to join them this year.

Eight of the top 10 runners from a year ago return to lead the Camels into the 2003 season. Sophomore Mary McCudden (Middletown, NJ) earned All-New England honors and qualified for the NCAA Championship as a freshman. She will team up with senior tri-captain Kirsti Fitzgerald (Mansfield, CT) to give the team one of the strongest 1-2 punches in the region. Fitzgerald joined McCudden on the All-New England team a year ago and narrowly missed qualifying for the national meet herself.

Sophomore Sally Girouard (Fitchburg, MA) was slowed by asthma late last fall but has returned to form and should join McCudden and Fitzgerald up front. Senior tri-captain Elinor Pisano (Chappaqua, NY) and junior Anne Barreca (Brooklyn, NY) also return from last fall’s top seven and will be counted on to continue their progress. Sophomore Chloe O’Connell (Hamden, CT) was the most improved runner on the team during the spring track season and is expected to challenge for a spot in the varsity lineup.

Juniors Meredith Stebbins (Chicago, IL) and Caitlin Greeley (E. Greenwich, RI) and sophomores Merritt Haswell (Skaneateles, NY), Carly Holbrook (Princeton, MA) and Lindsay Schakenbach (Jefferson, MA) will also be key contributors. Depth has always been a key factor in the team’s success, and having an impact on this front will be senior tri-captain Bonnie Prokesch (Atlanta, GA), seniors Tracy Weiss (Mansfield, CT) and Stephanie Herbert (Milford, CT), and sophomores Meg Meyer (Edina, MN), Caitlin Corless (Plainville, CT), Addie Capaldi (Philadelphia, PA), Charlotte Bothe (Norwich, CT), and Meredith Miller (Marblehead, MA).

Several freshmen will have an opportunity to crack the top seven and impact the team’s success this fall. Those likely to lead the way include Elizabeth Claise (Lexington, MA), Allison Zelman (Lakeville,CT), and Brenna Muller (Guilford, CT). Meaghan Seelaus (Maple Glen, PA), Alissa Wantman (Stoneham, MA), Christine Monahan (Walpole, MA), and Caitlin Connors (Boxford, MA) also bring solid credentials to the team, and they will be joined by Gillian Bleimann (New York, NY), Laura Bernardi (Guilford, CT) Rachel D’Agostino (Westport, CT), Anna Meyer (W. Hartford, CT), and Suki Boynton (Bernardsville, NJ).