ENC’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams placed sixth and seventh, respectively, at their first race of the season on Saturday, Sept. 7.

They competed against seven other schools at the Massachusetts Maritime Invitational in Buzzard Bay. All of the runners at the meet ran in memory of a fallen solider, Travis Fuller, who passed away in 2005.

Freshman Gregory Whitney (Henniker, N.H.) was the first team member to cross the finish line, taking 18th overall.

Freshman Jessica Donovan (East Taunton, Mass.) was the top female runner from the women’s team, with junior Taylor Corbin (Honesdale, PA) coming in a close second.

Corbin was very excited to be back running on the cross-country team for the second year in a row.

“It is very thrilling to be back running. It’s a great feeling, crossing the finish line and knowing you did great. I see this team going far this season,” Corbin said.

Whitney also sees the season going well for the team.

“We have a great group of runners and a committed coach,” Whitney said. “I’m really looking forward to this season.”

At the 42nd Pop Crowell Invitational on Sept. 21, Donovan finished first again for the Lions with a time of 25:01.

The cross-country team will be compete on Sept. 28 at the Elms Blazers Invitational. The women will be running at 11:00 a.m. and the men at 12:00 p.m.