NASHUA, N.H. (October 15, 2004) – The Franklin Pierce University men's and women's cross country teams participated in the 2004 Rivier Invitational, hosted by Rivier College on Friday. Overall, the men's team placed in third place, while the women did not qualify. Emerson College claimed first place in both the men's and women's team competitions, garnering scores of 33 and 18 points respectively.

Senior Adam Marsh (Rutland, Mass./Wachusett Regional) was the top performer for the Ravens in the men’s race. He finished in tenth place out of 58 runners with a time of 29:02. Sophomore Burkett Farqaher (Marlborough, Conn./RHAM) finished in 17th place with a time of 30:44, while junior Frank Blais (North Providence, R.I./LaSalle Academy) finished in 23rd with a time of 31:22.

On the women’s side, sophomore Michelle Frazer (Braintree, Mass./Weymouth) placed eighth out of a field of 51 competitors with her time of 22:32. Finishing behind Frazer in tenth place was junior Rachel Mitchell (Shirley, Mass./Ayer) with a time of 22:52. Sophomore Lisa Zizza (Quincy, Mass./Fontbonne Academy) was also impressive, finishing in 17th with a time of 24:40.

The teams will compete again on Sunday, October 24, when they run in the season-ending Northeast-10 Championships hosted by Saint Michael’s College. The women’s race begins at 10 a.m., while the men’s race starts at 11 a.m.