HOPKINTON, N.H. - The New England College men's and women's cross-country teams competed in the Penmen Mini-Meet Cross Country Invitational on Thursday evening.  The women ran three kilometers, followed by the men, who completed five kilometers. 

The women started the meet off strong for the Pilgrims.  Junior Sophia Lapointe (Salem, N.H.) continued her stellar season, as she led the way for NEC, with a time of 13:59.6.  Senior Amanda Ducharme (Bedford, N.H.) was not too far behind, as she finished in 14:16.2, while sophomore Skylar Simpson (Prospect, Conn.) clocked in at 15:23.5. 

The men featured their largest turnout of the season, with four runners representing the Pilgrims in the 5K.  Freshman Austin Patenaude (Henniker, N.H.) was first for the 'Grims, as he crossed the finish line in 20:43.1.  Freshman Alex O'Halloran (Dover, N.H.) was the next finisher in the race, with a time of 21:28.7.  Junior Ryan Weidman (Weare, N.H.) accomplished the 5K in 24:57.6.  Senior Anthony Dibattista (Merrimack, N.H.) also made his season debut for the Pilgrims and clocked in at 26:16.7. 

The men and women both concluded their cross-country regular season.  They will get back to work on November 1st for the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championships, hosted by Colby-Sawyer. 

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