TYRONE, Pa. – In a strong start to the 2026 campaign, both Saint Francis men's and women's cross country teams earned second-place finishes at the annual Fr. Bede Invitational on Saturday.

In the women's 4K event, Nina Connors and Rosemary Gaydos placed in the top 10, finishing third and fifth, respectively. Connors crossed the line in 14:53.5. It's a new personal best and five seconds faster than her finish at the course a year ago. Gaydos ran an impressive time of 15:11.6.

Saint Francis also had strong performances from Jordan Dean (13th, 16:13.8), Sarah Colman (18th, 16:31.4), Mackenzie Hirt (21st, 16:41.7), Savannah Hoover (24th, 16:54.3), Abigail Sheehan (28th, 17:10.1), Isabella Leger (31st, 17:17.4), Ryan Wilson (33rd, 17:20.8) and Lauren Lomago (41st, 17:50.4).

Several freshmen made their collegiate debuts, including Madeline Friday (37th, 17:37.9), Morgan Davis (38th, 17:38.2) and Megan Friday (39th, 17:44.8).

Duquesne won the women's race with 35 points. Followed by Saint Francis with 52, Bloomsburg (55), Juniata (103), Christendhom College (146).

It was an exciting finish in the men's 6K as Collin Dreese nearly caught Duquesne's top runner on the final lap to finish second overall. Dreese's time of 19:26.3 was more than 30 seconds faster than a year ago.

Two Red Wolves runners cracked the top 15: Micah Brydon (14th, 20:30.6) and Aaron Tressler (15th, 20:44.4).

Other finishes included Michelangelo Piccirillo (18th, 21:17.3), Wyatt Foster (26th, 22:12.1), Ryan Young (27th, 22:19.7) and Nicholas Kupniewski (24:09:0).

Duquesne also took first in the men's event with 21 points, followed by Saint Francis (54), Bloomsburg (64), Juniata (112), Christendom College (121)

Next up: Saint Francis cross country returns to action Sept. 19 at the South Region Preview in Lynchburg, Va.