FARMINGTON, Maine – The Husson University women's cross country team captured the 2026 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Championship on Saturday, placing five runners inside the top 10 to claim the conference title at the University of Maine at Farmington Cross Country Course.
The title is the fifth all-time for the Eagles, including their first since 2023, when they won two-consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023.
The Eagles totaled 30 points to secure the conference championship, finishing 13 points ahead of runner-up Maine-Farmington, which recorded 43 points. Husson showcased its depth throughout the six-kilometer race, placing six runners inside the top 10 and all seven of its scoring-eligible competitors among the top 14 finishers.
Freshman Elise Ouellette led the championship effort for the Eagles, earning third-place honors with a time of 25:01.28. Ouellette finished behind Maine-Farmington's Lina Martinez Nocito, who claimed the individual conference championship in 23:25.63, and Amelia Hill, who finished second in 23:50.42.
Sophomore Lucinda Carroll followed with a fifth-place finish, crossing the line in 25:44.75, while freshman Jadyn Bell finished just behind her in sixth place with a time of 25:45.72. The duo was separated by less than one second, giving Husson three runners among the top six finishers.
Junior Molly Dearborn continued the Eagles' impressive showing, placing seventh overall with a time of 25:51.86, giving Husson four finishers among the top seven.
Freshman Kelsey Paradee rounded out Husson's scoring five with a ninth-place finish, clocking a time of 26:03.94. Paradee's performance secured the Eagles' final scoring position and helped clinch the conference championship.
Sophomore Nina Huber added another top-10 performance for Husson, finishing 10th overall in 26:09.82, while freshman Katelyn Gibbs completed the Eagles' top seven with a 14th-place finish in 27:37.79.
Sophomore Christina DeGiso also competed for Husson, placing 21st overall with a time of 30:22.40, while senior Abby Hunt rounded out the Eagles' nine competitors with a 23rd-place finish in 31:27.88.
Husson's championship performance was highlighted by its impressive pack running, as just 1:02.66 separated the Eagles' top five finishers. The Eagles placed four runners ahead of Maine-Farmington's third finisher, helping overcome the Beavers' first- and second-place individual finishes.
Husson claimed the team championship with 30 points, followed by Maine-Farmington in second with 43. Maine Maritime Academy finished third with 90 points, while the University of Maine at Presque Isle placed fourth with 99 points and Lesley University rounded out the team standings with 116 points.
The Eagles will now turn their attention to the NCAA Division III East Regional Championship on Nov. 14 at the Wainwright Recreation Complex in South Portland, Maine.
