MIDDLETOWN, CT. -- The Amherst College women's cross country team earned a strong fourth-place finish at the Cardinal Invitational, scoring 108 points with a total time of 1:52:36 and an average of 22:31 per runner. Competing against powerhouse programs like MIT and Coast Guard, the Mammoths proved their balance of top-end talent and reliable depth across the lineup.

TOP FINISHERS:

* Hannah Stephenson '27 led the way in spectacular fashion, crossing the line first overall in 20:45.0, averaging 5:33 per mile. Her dominant performance set the tone for Amherst's race and gave the Mammoths a low stick up front.

DEPTH IN THE PACK:

* Rounding out Amherst's scoring lineup were:

• Dani Perez-Cartaya '27 (18th, 22:30.3)
• Audrey Seeger '27 (21st, 22:40.9)
• Zoe Marcus '26 (30th, 23:06.3)
• Daphne Theiler '25 (38th, 23:34.2)

* The Mammoths' spread from their second scorer (Perez-Cartaya) to fifth (Theiler) was just over a minute, showing the team's ability to cluster together in competitive fields.

BUILDING MOMENTUM:

* With Stephenson providing a frontrunning presence and a deep supporting pack, Amherst demonstrated that they can compete with some of the strongest programs in the region. *Their fourth-place team finish came just 14 points behind Wesleyan (94) for third, keeping them well within striking distance heading into the heart of the season.

LOOKING AHEAD:

* The Mammoths' will participate in the Paul Short Run at Lehigh University Friday, October 3rd.