CASTLETON, Vt. – At the Vermont State Championship at Castleton State College on Saturday, the Southern Vermont College women's cross country team competed hard as the Mountaineers finished seventh overall.

SVC was led by freshman Schyler McGuire (Mechanicville, N.Y.) who placed 12th in the 73-woman field with a time of 22:10. Behind her was sophomore captain Haley Omasta (Danbury, Conn.), finishing in 23:21, good enough for 27th overall on a day with ideal weather for running.

Senior Sara Burds (Williston, Vt.) came through with a time of 34:27, her best of the season, and sophomore Ashley Perrino (Rotterdam, N.Y.) finished at 35:27. The Mountaineer crew was rounded out by freshman Abby Beaucage (Starksboro, Vt.), coming through at 35:41.

Head coach Kathleen Newton commented that, "We had a great week with two challenging workouts. We're certainly getting stronger and fitter each week."

Division II Saint Michael's College dominated the race as the first four runners across the line were members of the Purple Knights' group; junior Chloe Boutelle (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) led all participants with a time of 19:46. Norwich University and Castleton State College finished second and third, respectively.

 The Mountaineers now look to the Keene Invitational at Keene State College next Saturday with start time slated for 11 a.m.