Manfra Wins, Women’s Cross Country Takes Fourth at Early Bird Invitational

Manfra Wins, Women’s Cross Country Takes Fourth at Early Bird Invitational

KEENE, N.H. – Emily Manfra set the pace for the 2019 Suffolk women's cross country season as the senior cruised to individual victory at Keene State's Early Bird Invitational Saturday afternoon, helping the Rams take fourth as a team.  

The Stoneham, Massachusetts, native's 5:32 pace had her cross the two-mile course's tape in 11:03.2, 31 seconds ahead of runner-up Lauren Perkowski of Keene State, to top the 110-runner field. 

Marin Stamer put together a top-10 performance as the freshman clocked in at 12:29.4 in her collegiate debut.  

Savannah Goddeeris and Olivia Chilcott also finished in 12 minutes in change. Goddeeris first race as a Ram found the freshman in 22nd with a time of 12:43.0, while sophomore Chilcott came through the chute at 12:45.0.  

Skyler Spanbauer completed Suffolk's scoring runners with a time of 13:21.1, which was good for 39th.

The top five Rams combined for a 97 in the team race for a fourth-place finish. Springfield topped the field with a 46 with Mount Holyoke (48) and the hosts Owls (81) placing second and third, respectively.  

Meagan Dyer (13:47.5 – 43rd) and Natalie Fay (13:59.5 – 45) rounded out the runners in blue-and-gold on the course. 

Suffolk takes next two weekends off and will return to the competitive circuit on Saturday, Sept. 21 when it heads to the UMass Dartmouth Invitational.