HOPKINTON, N.H. (October 2, 2021) -- The Franklin Pierce University women's cross country team hosted its annual home meet at the Hopkinton State Fairgrounds on Saturday. Graduate student Bethaney Donnelly (Manchester, United Kingdom) bested all comers at the Bruce Kirsh Cup, and her victory powered the Ravens to a second-place finish out of nine teams on the 5k course.

Franklin Pierce put all five of its scoring runners inside the top 25 to finish the day with 60 points and a second-place finish. The Ravens trailed only Saint Anselm, which had five of the top eight finishers to accrue only 28 points. Bridgewater State rounded out the top three at 74 points.

Leading the pack of runners was Donnelly, who claimed first place for her 18:04 time, which gave her a 30-second victory over Regis (Mass.) senior Ashleigh Kelley. Next to cross for the Ravens was sophomore Victoria Van Houten (Wantage, N.J.), who took 17^th for her 19:58 time. She was followed closely by senior Alana Thompson (Westampton, N.J.), who claimed 21^st for her 20:39 time.

Finishing in 24th was sophomore Meghan Sheline (Southington, Conn.), who ran the race in 20:51. She was followed directly by graduate student Alena Masterson (Pelham, N.H.), who claimed 25^th for her 20:59 time to round out Franklin Pierce's scoring five. In 30^th was sophomore Jasmin Baillargeon (South Wheelock, Vt.), who ran a time of 21:17.

Four other Ravens followed outside the top 30 of the 67-runner field, led by junior Meagan Foley (Beverly, Mass.), who claimed 33^rd for her 21:20 time. Also racing was sophomore Jenna Parent (Tyngsboro, Mass.), who claimed 35^th for her 21:41 time. Turning in a time of 21:54 was junior Alex Collins (Monroe, N.H.), who claimed 38^th. Finishing out the day for the team was sophomore Kelsey Gregorio (New Boston, N.H.), who raced a time of 27:08 to claim 59^th.

The Ravens are right back in action next Saturday, Oct. 9, when they travel to Romeoville, Ill., for the Lewis Crossover, hosted by Lewis University.