From NYU Athletics

The New York University women's cross country team won its first-ever NCAA Atlantic Region Championship, fending off second-place St. Lawrence University on Saturday, November 16, in Geneseo, NY.

The Violets finished third last year and in three of the past four seasons, but had never before finished higher.

On the strength of four top-20 finishes, the Violets totaled 97 points. NYU finished six points ahead of St. Lawrence (103). Both teams automatically qualify for next Saturday's NCAA Division III Championship, which is being held in Hanover, IN.

"This program has come a long way over the past few years," said NYU Head Coach Nick McDonough, who is now in his seventh year with the team. "We're excited about getting our first NCAA Regional win and look forward to another chance to compete at Nationals."

NYU's first runner across the finish line was senior captain Emily Cousens, who posted a time of 21:40.8 over the 6,000-meter course.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Sophomore Lily Corsaro was NYU's second finisher, posting a 14th-place time of 21:48.1 

- Another sophomore, Sarah Czuprynski, was third for NYU (22:00.8) and 17th overall. Finishing right behind her was junior Hannah Borenstein (22:01.1) in 18th place.

- NYU's fifth scorer was freshman Kassiani Chrysanthopulos. She took 39th place overall with a time of 22:43.6.

- Overall, 38 teams and 269 runners competed. The top 35 finishers earn All-Region honors.

"The woman ran great," McDonough said. "It was a strong finish over the second half of the race, as usual."