The Bard College cross country teams turned in strong performances at the Western New England University Golden Bear Invitational on Saturday, as both the men's and women's squads battled through a competitive field and challenging course conditions.

On the women's side, Anna Shtandenko led the Raptors across the line, placing 48th overall with a time of 26:05.95 in the 6000-meter race. Emma St. Peter followed with a solid effort at 27:20.50, while first-year Alex Laskowski continued her impressive debut season, clocking in at 28:51.16. Junior Chloe Desautels finished in 30:50.80, with sophomores Malena Verduga Martinez (34:17.08) and Kai Roper (34:44.48) rounding out the team's scoring.

For the men, junior Elijah Flynn continued his standout season by leading Bard with a time of 28:17.96 over the 8000-meter course, placing 46th overall. Sophomore Calvin Thomas followed in 30:13.57, with Charles Grenadier (31:38.28) and senior Ilyas Hotak (31:39.10) finishing just one second apart. Junior Koei Nakamura recorded 32:23.24, and sophomore Johnny Henriquez (34:06.10) and senior IanZhao (37:46.10) completed the lineup.

Bard will be getting ready for when they travel to St. Lawrence for the Liberty League Championships on November 1st. 

Women's 6K
Anna Shtandenko – 26:05.95
Emma St Peter – 27:20.50
Alex Laskowski – 28:51.16
Chloe Desautels – 30:50.80
Malena Verduga Martinez – 34:17.08
Kai Roper – 34:44.48

Men's 8K
Elijah Flynn – 28:17.96
Calvin Thomas – 30:13.57
Charles Grenadier – 31:38.28
Ilyas Hotak – 31:39.10
Koei Nakamura – 32:23.24
Johnny Henriquez – 34:06.10
Ian Zhao – 37:46.10