CGA freshman Kaitlyn Mooney wins New England Div. III title

Gorham, Maine — Kaitlyn Mooney's magical season continued Saturday as the Coast Guard Academy freshman captured the New England Division III women's cross country championship at the University of Southern Maine.

Mooney, who has won five of her first six collegiate races, broke her own school record by over a minute, finishing the 6K course in 20 minutes, 22 seconds to beat Amherst College senior Nicky Roberts by nine seconds.

"We all thought it was going to be a lot colder than it was and we prepared for the worst," said Mooney, who helped the Bears finish 13th overall in the team race with 401 points. "I'm excited for NCAAs. I don't really have any goals. I just want to run with some fast girls and get experience for the next few years."

Mooney will compete in the Division III national championship race next Saturday in Elsah, Illinois.

"Today was an exciting day for Coast Guard cross country," Bears coach Ethan Brown said. "The entire women's team had a lot of energy and everyone had a great day. Kaitlyn helped lead the charge and everyone fed off that. She saw some great competition today and we're getting closer to seeing her full potential this season.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing her race on the national stage."

Junior Anita Green was second runner across the line for the Bears finishing in 55th place (22:35). Other point scorers for Coast Guard were senior Rachel Burchill (87th, 23:11.5), junior Nina Ragle (117th, 23:38.8) and sophomore Kirsten Carson (142nd, 23:54.4).

Conn College finished 14th in the meet and were led by Meredith Cronin, who placed 54th in 22:33.7. Also for scoring for Camels were Eva Brydson in 60th (22:39.5), Grace Sheeran in 103rd (23:23.3), Tarvis Hintlian in 106th (23:24.6) and Micaela Nee in 122nd (23:40.1).

Men's cross country

• Conn College junior Scott Mason finished second to