The St. Thomas Aquinas cross country team opened their season today at the Fordham Fiasco/Ed Joyce Memorial at Van Cortlandt Park. Redshirt junior Meaghan Ventarola and sophomore Kristen Borriello lead the way for the women's team. Sophomore Vincent Vazquez was the first finisher for the men's team.
Crossing the line in 20:43, Ventarola finished in 11th place with Borriello finishing one second later in 12th place. Junior Katie O'Grady was next for the Spartans clocking a time of 21:47 which was good for 21st place. Classmate Patricia Nersten (21:52) made a strong move into scoring position for STAC. Seniors Gabriela Sloezen and Cecelia Pfleging came in at 21:57 and 21:58 respectively. The women's team took 2nd place out of 13 schools competing.
Vazquez continued in his role set as a freshmen as the top STAC finisher in 29:34. Junior Jamer Linares crossed the line in 30:17. Freshman Harley Ruiz ran a strong race in his collegiate debut for the Spartans, clocking a time of 30:52. Junior Ryan Gasser finished at 32:04 followed by rookie Joseph Lipari. (32:41). The men finished in 4th place in a field of 11 schools.
The Spartan runners will return to action on Saturday, September 19th at LIU Post in Brookville, NY.