POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — The Marist women's cross country team opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Friday, claiming the team title at the Marist Season Opener at the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve.

Graduate student Emily Litke led the way for the Red Foxes, placing second overall in the women's 6-kilometer race with a time of 18:29.9.

Marist received a strong showing from a pair of newcomers, as freshmen Helena Szep and Sofi Bane finished third and fourth overall, respectively, in their collegiate debuts. Szep crossed the finish line in 18:41.8, while Bane recorded a time of 18:44.9.

Freshman Abigail Kowalczyk also cracked the top 10, finishing eighth in 19:08.9. Julia Radjenovic rounded out the Red Foxes' scoring five with a 16th-place finish in 19:26.2.
Sophia Vukelic finished 24th in 19:53.6, followed by Ava Vandeventer in 25th at 20:02.2. Lily Kogut placed 27th in 20:06.3, while Rachael Turek and Evelyn Hoak finished 32nd and 37th, respectively.

The Red Foxes placed five runners in the top 10 and finished with 33 points, comfortably taking first place in the team standings. Albany finished second with 52 points, followed by Fairfield (56) and Siena (75).

Five of Marist's 10 runners competing Friday were freshmen, highlighting a promising start to the 2026 campaign.

Marist Individual Finishes
Emily Litke — 18:29.9
Helena Szep — 18:41.8
Sofi Bane — 18:44.9
Abigail Kowalczyk — 19:08.9
Julia Radjenovic — 19:26.2
Sophia Vukelic — 19:53.6
Ava Vandeventer — 20:02.2
Lily Kogut — 20:06.3
Rachael Turek — 20:37.3
Evelyn Hoak — 21:03.9
44 finishers

Team Standings
Marist — 33
Albany — 52
Fairfield — 56
Siena — 75