ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – A mix of newcomers and veterans were at the front of the field for the St. Bonaventure women's cross country team Saturday morning as the fall season kicked off with the Little Three Championship at the McGraw-Jennings Fields Complex.

Freshman Jillian Lozo raced first across the finish line for the Bonnies as she made her collegiate debut by placing fifth overall with a time of 18:58.7. She was just ahead of sophomore teammate Miranda Habshi who was next across the stripe at 19:01.8, followed by senior Claire Cuneo at 19:02.1.

Niagara's Alexa Briggs stormed to the race win at 17:59.1, 31 seconds ahead of the field. Led by Briggs, the Purple Eagles captured the team title with 34 points while St. Bonaventure was second at 43 points. Canisius finished third with 48 team points.

Lozo becomes the ninth individual in Bonnies women's cross country history to break the 19-minute 5K barrier with her effort. Habshi also set a new personal best, eclipsing her run of 19:15 in last year's meet.

Elise Brooks (19:20.6) and Molly Gipson (19:27.0) each set new PRs as well with program individual top-20 marks.

The Bonnies were running without three of their regular top six finishers due to injury/illness.

QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH BOB MACFARLANE
"Today's Little Three race was a strong showing for our team, especially from our freshmen. Jillian Lozo had a standout performance, placing fifth overall with a time of 18:58.7, which now ranks ninth on our all-time record board. Sydney March also impressed, finishing 15th in 19:30.2—a high school PR for her—and now holds the 19th spot on the record board. Elle Brooks clocked a PR of 19:20.6 (16th on the board), and Molly Gipson followed closely at 19:27, for 19th. Numerous women ran personal bests, and overall, I'm very pleased with the development of the team at this stage of the season. The hard work and dedication we're seeing will put us in a strong position to be highly competitive moving forward."

UP NEXT
St. Bonaventure is back in action Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Lock Haven Invitational.

BONNIES RESULTS
5. Jillian Lozo – 18:58.7
6. Miranda Habshi – 19:01.8 (PR)
7. Claire Cuneo – 19:02.1
12. Elise Brooks – 19:20.6 (PR)
13. Molly Gipson – 19:27.0 (PR)
15. Sydney March - 19:30.2
17. Katelyn Wilkes – 19:39.5 (PR)
19. Kylie Paylor – 19:47.1 (PR)
21. Chloe Fisher – 19:50.2 (PR)
22. Alex Jensen – 19:55.7 (PR)
23. Sara Thomas – 20:01.6 (PR)
24. Gabriella Randazzo – 20:05.2 (PR)
25. Maddie McKillop – 20:08.7 (PR)
26. Brooke Hudnall – 20:34.9 (PR)
27. Gianna Bille – 20:35.1
29. Adria Magnusson – 20:48.8
30. Jayne Gavin – 20:55.7
31. Naina Slaughter – 21:10.1
35. Sarah Carroll – 21:39.8

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