Rachel Avard, of Manchester, Represents Women's Cross Country Team in First-Ever NCAA Championship Appearance

2016 Nov 28

The Assumption College Women's Cross Country team participated in the program's first-ever NCAA Championship appearance on Saturday, Nov. 19, in St. Leo, FL. Rachel Avard, of Manchester, a member of the Class of 2017, was one of the seven women who competed in the tournament.

"Having the opportunity to compete at the NCAA Championships was a dream and team goal all season" said the team's Head Coach Stacie Wentz. "This program was at the bottom of the region just four years ago and now is at the top, so it's been a remarkable journey to get there. To place 27th out of 32 NCAA Division II teams in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada is truly an amazing accomplishment."

Two of the seven women representing the Assumption Women's Cross Country team finished in the top ten: Courtney Fisher '18 was the fastest Hound on the day, taking 74th with her time of 22:16.7, followed by Antonia Pagliuca '18, who finished 97th with her time of 22:30.6 The five other women on the line for the Hounds were: Sara Amato '19, Rachel Avard '17, Megan Corbeil '18, Kialeigh Marston '20, and Jacqueline Ryan '19.

The women's cross country team competed throughout the fall, receiving a second place finish at the Northast-10 Championships.

For more information on Assumption sports, visit www.assumptiongreyhounds.com.