The William and Mary women's cross country team got the 2012 season off to a smashing start Saturday, scoring 23 points to win the Spider Alumni Open over the host Richmond, UMBC, George Mason, and Virginia State.  Competing unattached, Emily Stites won the 2-mile race in 10:32.7 at Pole Green Park.

Complete Results

Sophomore Jess Cygan (Bethlehem, Pa.) was the top in-uniform runner Saturday morning, finishing second overall in 10:34.8.  Classmate Dylan Hassett (Alpharetta, Ga.) also earned a top-five finish in the fifth spot, crossing the line just ahead of junior Lanie Smith (Reston, Va.), 10:47.3 to 11:00.6.  Junior Clarissa Schick (Richmond, Va.) was ninth in 11:03.0, and classmate Christina Lee (Sterling, Va.) was 10th just behind her in 11:03.3.  Rounding out the scoring seven was the sophomore pair of Heather Clagett (Norfolk, Va.) and Allison Bartels (Bristow, Va.), in 11:28.1 and 11:23.8 for 18th and 20th, respectively.

William and Mary's next meet will come on September 15th, with the Tribe hosting several colleges and dozens of high schools in the 54th Annual W&M Cross Country Invitational.

Spider Alumni Open - Two-Miles
Pole Green Park

Team Standings
1. William and Mary 23
2. Richmond 32
3. UMBC 83
4. George Mason 109
5. Virginia State 150

Top Five Finishers
1. Emily Stites (UNA) 10:32.7
2. Jess Cygan (W&M) 10:34.8
3. Meghan McGovern (UNA) 10:37.7
4. Jillian Prentice (UR) 10:42.7
5. Dylan Hassett (W&M) 10:47.3

Other W&M Finishers
6. Lanie Smith 11:00.6
9. Clarissa Schick 11:03.0
10. Christina Lee 11:03.3
18. Heather Clagett 11:18.1
20. Allison Bartels 11:23.8
21. Grace Thomas 11:24.2
24. Carolyn Hennessey 11:30.7
28. Avery Mattingly 11:35.2
37. Casey Lardner 11:49.4
38. Melissa DiVecchia 11:51.3
42. Leah Fitchett 11:56.2
51. Katie Hinchen 12:15.3