The cross country season opener saw the women's team place second at the ninth annual Monmouth Cross Country Kickoff for their best finish in four years.
Head coach John Moon said he was extremely pleased with the performance of both squads, particularly the women.
Four runners on the women's team finished in the top 20.
Senior Hughnique Rolle or, "Hughie," as she's called by her teammates, ran the best race for the Seton Hall finishing fifth overall (14.44.7).
"I'd be happy for anyone to finish top 10," Moon said. "For her to finish fifth is really fantastic. I really expect her to be in the mix of some of the best runners in the Big East."
Sophomore Mary Migton was the second Pirate to finish, coming in 13th place with a time of (15:22.0.) Rolle and Migton have finished 1-2 in every race they have ran together starting last season.
Moon was said he was pleased with the two freshmen on the women's side, Amanda Quaglia, who finished in 16th place (15.30.2) and Alex Ryan who finished 51st overall (16.39.8).
"We got an outstanding performance from our two freshmen on the women's team," Moon said. "I was extremely impressed."
The men's squad struggled; finishing sixth in a seven team meet. However, Moon did not see any need for concern.
"The top three guys stepped it up," Moon said. "But we still need to get the last two up to speed." Moon said.
The "top three guys" to whom Moon is referring are senior Jared Henko came in 24th overall (20.29.4), junior Carl Johnston finished 30th (20.44.1) and senior Cory Hellwin grabbed 41st (20.54.0.)
Both cross country teams return to action Saturday at the Hofstra Brick Stone Run in .
Gerard Gilberto can be reached at gerard.gilberto@student.shu.edu
