Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG — The Virginia Tech cross-country team opened the season Friday evening at the VT Invitational, highlighted by the women’s team dominating the 4.4K and Robert Leonard’s Hokie debut with a second-place finish at the Buford Meredith Cross Country Course.
Women’s 4.4K
The women’s squad swept the podium with runners Sophia Holgado, Kenza Elakari, Jeorgi Gavalas and Elizabeth Coe placing top four, finishing in 15:20.6, 15:26.4, 15:28.5, and 15:39.0, respectively. Freshman Sofi Alexander placed 7th with a time of 15:48.2 at her debut collegiate race.
Men’s 6K
In a close battle for podium spots, Hokies came out on top, with Roan Kelly (18:11.6) placing first and Robert Leonard (18:12.8) taking second. Nayan Kasperowski (18:24.7) placed fourth in his collegiate debut, with athletes Dylan DeCambre (18:31.3) and William Winter (18:43.7) also finishing in the top ten.
Up Next:
The Hokies will return to the Buford Meredith Cross Country Course on Sept. 18 to take on the Hokie Invitational. The women’s 6K is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by the men’s 8K at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Final Results:
Women's (4.4K):
Sophia Holgado – 1st (15:20.6)
Kenza Elakari – 2nd (15:26.4)
Jeorgi Gavalas – 3rd (15:28.5)
Elizabeth Coe – 4th (15:39.0)
Nicole Dunbury (unattached) – 5th (15:43.2)
Lydia Mikhin (unattached) – 6th (15:46.4)
Sofi Alexander – 7th (15:48.2) (PB)
Lia Pugsley – 9th (16.01.2)
Kasey Dingman – 10th (16:03.6)(PB)
Kylie Bonser – 12th (16:26.5)
Men's (6K):
Roan Kelly – 1st (18:11.6)
Robert Leonard – 2nd (18:12.8)
Nayan Kasperowski – 4th (18:24.7)
Dylan DeCambre – 6th (18:31.3)
William Winter – 8th (18:43.7)
Carter Johnson – 21st (19:16.1)