BIDDEFORD, Maine — The Husson University women's cross country team opened its 2026 season with a third-place finish at the Ron Ouellette Invitational on Friday at Rotary Park.

The Eagles finished third with 77 points, behind host University of New England (19 points) and Southern Maine (41 points). Husson's five scoring runners combined for a team time of 1:15:11 and averaged 15:02 over the two-mile course.

Freshman Elise Ouellette led the Eagles in her collegiate debut, finishing 13th overall with a time of 14:20.0. The first-year runner averaged 7:10.0 per mile and scored 12 points for Husson.

Sophomore Lucinda Carroll was next across the line for the Eagles, placing 16th overall in 15:03.5, averagaing 7:31.8 per mile and contributing 14 points to the team score.

Freshman Jadyn Bell followed closely behind, finishing 17th overall with a time of 15:07.1 and an average mile of 7:33.6. Bell scored 15 points for Husson.

Freshman Kelsey Paradee was fourth among Husson's scoring runners, placing 19th overall in 15:14.4. The first-year runner averaged 7:37.2 per mile and scored 17 points.

Junior Molly Dearborn rounded out the Eagles' scoring five, finishing 23rd overall with a time of 15:27.1 and an average mile of 7:43.6. She contributed 19 points to the Husson team score.

Sophomore Nina Huber finished 27th overall in 15:36.0, while senior Abby Hunt crossed the line in 16:22.8 to place 34th overall. Freshman Katelyn Gibbs finished 35th in 16:52.6, followed by sophomore Christina DeGiso in 36th with a time of 19:16.7.

The Eagles return to action on Sept. 12 for the North Atlantic Conference Preview Meet, hosted by the University of Maine at Farmington.