Gorham, ME – The Brandeis University women's cross country team finished 8th today at the New England Division III Regional Championship led by all-region performances from twin sisters Emily and Julia Bryson.
Two-time All-American junior Emily Bryson (Quincy, Mass./No Quincy) led the Judges and covered the 6-kilometer race in 21:12.8 to place 9th overall and earn her third career All-New England honor in cross country. This was Bryson's best finish at these championships after finish 15th here last year and 13th as a freshman. Bryson will now be looking to secure a third All-American status, having finished 31st and 24th at nationals previously.
Also claiming All-Region honors for the Judges was the other half of the Bryson duo, Julia, who was named All-New England in cross-country for the first time in her career. Bryson finished 24th in 22:02.5 today to cap a banner junior year seeing improvements in all of her races. At these championships a year ago Bryson she was 37th after placing 63rd as a freshman. Bryson's time today was also the fastest she has ever completed a 6K cross-country race.
Rookie Niamh Kenney (Hanover, Mass. / Hanover) capped a stellar first year cross-country campaign by coming home as the team's third woman. The newcomer posted her fastest time over 6K of the season running 22:41.7 for 62nd. Kenney has battled injuries this season but stepped up big time when her team needed her.
Junior Meaghan Barry (Marlborough, Mass./Worcester Academy) was the teams fourth scorer, one spot better than a year ago. Barry had by far her best 6K of the season, placing 77th in a time of 23:03.4. The Judges final scorer today was senior captain Kyra Shreeve (Northborough, Mass./Algonquin Regional), a team leader who had a great run in her final cross country race placing 120th in a time of 23:39.6.
Rounding out the squad were junior Doyin Ogundiran (Dix Hills, N.Y. / Half Hollow Hills East) and sophomore Danielle Bertaux (Prides Crossing, Mass./Beverly) who finished in times of 24:02.6 and 24:57.6 and places of 160th and 225th respectively.
The women scored 287 points to place 8th out of a field of 56 schools from around the region.
-- by Eli Waxler '19