CLINTON, NY - The Utica University men's and women's cross country teams competed at the Hamilton College Short Course XC Invitational on Saturday morning. The Pioneer men finished fourth out of 11 teams with 107 points, while the women placed seventh with 227 points.

On the men's side, Killian Bauer (Verona, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherill) led the Pioneers with a second-place finish in the 5K, crossing the line in 15:54.8. Bennett Melita (Johnstown, NY/Fonda-Fultonville) followed closely behind in fifth at 16:01.8. Timothy Jeralds (Canaan, NY/Chatham Central) placed 36th in 16:47.1, while Forest Martin (Poland, NY/Poland Central) and Brandon Knisely (West Winfield, NY/Mount Markham) rounded out Utica's scoring five in 46th (17:09.2) and 57th (17:27.8), respectively. Utica finished just one point behind third-place Nazareth.

For the women, Catherine Manna (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) paced Utica in the 4K, finishing 19th overall in 15:50.1. Lacey Simmons (Vernon Center, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) followed in 61st at 17:08.5, with Nicole Arnhold (Hampton, NY/Granville) placing 66th in 17:13.3. Tara Fobare (Sauquoit, NY/New Hartford) crossed in 78th at 18:02.4, while Courtney Pettit (Walworth, NY/Wayne) completed the scoring five in 95th at 19:38.2.

Both teams return to the course on Saturday, September 26 as the teams travel to take on the RPI Fairgrounds Showdown, hosted by RPI. Start time from the Washington County Fairgrounds in Greenwich, NY is set for 10am for the women, and 11am for the men.