By Cynthia Retamozo

The women’s cross country team wrapped up its season at the NCAA Northeast Regional Championships Saturday at Franklin Park, where they finished 23rd out of 36 competing teams.

Cross country coach and coordinator Renny Waldren said he was very impressed with his team and said that while last week’s Colonial Athletic Association in Hampstead, NY was for placement, this meet was more for gaining experience.

“The girls ran awesome,” he said. “It was a big step in the right direction.”

The top five finishers for the Huskies Saturday were junior Kristie Gagnon, who crossed the finish line at 77th for the 6K course in 22:29.85, setting a new personal best. Finishing directly behind her was freshman Annie Scully, finishing in 22:31.05 and also setting a new personal best. Next for the Huskies was freshman Kristen Martin in 174th (24:05.85), then sophomore Brittanie MacDonald in 207th (24:55.20).

Waldren said that overall, the 2007 women’s cross country team was very successful, progressively improving with each meet. For next year’s conference, the goal, he said, will be to win.

Waldren also said that the men’s side sat out during this meet because several runners will be competing in the winter track season, and he wants them to rest before the first official day of the season next month.