CAZENOVIA, N.Y. -- For the second time in as many weeks, the Elmira College women's cross country team came in second place, as the Soaring Eagles finished as runners-up at the Cazenovia College Homecoming Invitational on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

The only team ahead of Elmira in the standings was Empire 8 Conference foe Hartwick College, as the Hawks won the five-kilometer event with 27 points. The Soaring Eagles logged 74 points, 11 points ahead of third-place Cazenovia.

First-year standout Emma MacDowell '23 was the first Soaring Eagle to successfully navigate the 5K course at Fenner Fields, leading the Purple and Gold to the finish line for a third consecutive race. The rookie placed fifth overall out of 49 competitors with a time of 23:13.3, less than a minute off of the pace of the individual medalist, Hartwick's Kaylee Amoriell (22:21.00).

Claire Preisch '21 and Ashley Naples '22 were separated by only three places. Preisch, a junior from Milton, Pennsylvania, clocked in at 24:11.1 and placed 11th. Naples, who cross the finish line in 14th place, did so in 24:49.1.

Freshman Danielle Knapp '23 recorded her second-straight top-25 finish for the Soaring Eagles. She came in 24th and posted a time of 26:12.0 in her first collegiate 5K race. Rounding out Elmira's scoring five was 32nd-place finisher Gabrielle Stemmer '23 (28:13.5). Mackenzie Becker '23 (28:33.4) was not far behind in 34th, while Abbey Torres '20 (48:16.9) completed her first collegiate race and placed 49th.

In the men's eight-kilometer race, Elmira's Owen Rose '22 participated as an individual. The second-year runner traversed the uneven trails and rolling hills in 36:05.7, good enough for 43rd place.

Elmira Women's Results
5 – Emma MacDowell – 23:13.3
11 – Claire Preisch – 24.11.1
14 – Ashley Naples – 24:49.1
24 – Danielle Knapp – 26:12.0
32 – Gabrielle Stemmer – 28:13.5
34 – Mackenzie Becker – 28:33.4
49 – Abby Torres – 48:16.9

Team Results

1. Hartwick – 27
2. Elmira – 74
3. Cazenovia – 85
4. Hudson Valley C.C. – 88
5. SUNY Jefferson – 110
6. Morrisville State – 111

Up Next
The Soaring Eagles have next weekend off, but will return to action on Tuesday, October 8, at the SUNY Delhi Bronco Classic. The five-kilometer race is set for a 5:15 p.m. start at the College Golf Course at Delhi.