Though the event was non-scoring and low key, the performance of the women's cross country team at this weekend's Hayseed Classic set a positive tone for the start of the fall campaign. The Jumbos placed first with a total of 39 points amongst a field of eight teams, including NESCAC foe Bates College (55 points) and Div. II Bentley College (43 points).
"I was very impressed by how the ream ran together. Overall, times were faster, but it was still low key so we weren't going all out, and it was only the second time running the course. People really worked together as a team very effectively," senior co-captain Sarah Foss said.
Much of the success of the team in this early season meet was attributed to the ability of individuals to work together. The top two Tufts finishers ran together for most of the race and ended within 15 seconds of each other. Junior Lauren Caputo was the first Jumbo to cross the finish line, coming in second overall in a time of 20:03.5.
Following close behind was senior Kristen Munson, who's breakthrough performance propelled her to sixth overall in a time of 20:18.0. Munson had been plagued by injuries in seasons past, but a clean bill of health resulted in an impressive early season result..
"I wanted to go out and have a smart race, pace myself better and not go out to hard early on and it happened. It was great having Lauren to run with, we were able to talk to either other during the race. It was just a great race for everyone all around," Munson said.
Rounding out the top ten were juniors Lauren Dunn and Bethany Arrand, who finished ninth and tenth in times of 20:31 and 20:33.7 respectively. Dunn and Arrand are part of a strong junior class looking to make key contributions this year.
Amongst the 24 runners on the team, 12 are seniors and a significant number of juniors are also on the team. The strong contingent of older, more mature runners hopes to guide the younger, less experienced runners throughout the season.
"It's a bit of a different team dynamic this year. There are a significant number of juniors and seniors who have been running and training together for so long that it creates a very team-oriented and encouraging atmosphere," Dunn said.
Adding to the positive atmosphere is the effective leadership of co-captains Foss and Mary Nodine. Though it is still early in the season, the pair have worked to foster a nurturing team environment and have also performed well on the course as well.
Nodine (20:57.6) and Foss (21:25.8) both had solid showings as they placed 12th and 20th, respectively, with freshman Kristin Shinkawa (21:47.5) placing 25th to round out the top seven pack for the Jumbos. Nodine's performance is especially promising as she is coming of a hiatus from competition caused by injuries over the past two years.
This early season meet will act as a benchmark from which the team can gauge progress. At this point in the season, there are no clear-cut superstars and there will be a lot of mobility within the top seven.
Though it is early to set season goals there are short-term goals that have been put in place. "We just want to keep everyone healthy and strong and maintain focus. We all have a really positive outlook and want to keep it that way," Foss said.
The team will look to carry this weekend's success to Dartmouth for the Dartmouth Invite on Saturday.
