Oct. 6, 2007

Franklin Park, Boston, Mass.-- On a day that showcased the top cross country teams from around New England, the Boston College men and women's squads illustrated their strength by respectively placing fourth in each of their events Saturday afternoon.

Captains Patrick Mellea and Timothy Ritchie headlined the 10th annual New England Championships by placing first and second respectively in the men's varsity 8k. Mellea topped all runners for the second time this season with a time of 24:45. Ritchie, in his second-fastest performance, finished next in 24:53. Senior Jeremy Zagorski, in his first cross country race of 2007, finished a strong third on the team with a time of 25:55.

The men finished the race with 132 total points. Brown took top team honors with 95 points. Massachusetts Lowell (123), Massachusetts (124) and Williams (166) rounded out the top five teams.

The women, who finished their 5k with a fourth-best 145 points, were led by senior Jennifer Heyde. Heyde placed 18th in a time of 18:50. Senior Mary Heitkamp and sophomore Kelly Gross tied for the team's second-fastest finishes, running with a time of 18:58. Sophomore Lauren Johnston, in her second race of the season, came in third for the team in 19:04.

Quinnipiac (72 points) won the race overall. Amherst (85), Boston University (87) and Williams (229) placed second, third and fifth. Andrea Walkonen of Boston University had the race's top time of 17:36.

The women will compete in the NCAA Pre-Nationals Meet on Oct. 13 in Terre Haute, Ind. The men will take a break before contending for the ACC Championship in Charlottesville, Va. on Oct. 26.