Lions Race to Third-Place Team Finish Behind Anderson’s Podium Performance

Women's Recap

The Penn State Schuylkill women's cross country team earned a third-place finish in the 6K event, powered by another outstanding performance from sophomore Lilley Anderson, who placed third overall with a time of 26:08 (7:00/mile). Anderson led wire-to-wire for Schuylkill, finishing just behind two NCAA competitors and ahead of multiple Division III programs.

Freshman Abigail Smithnosky delivered a strong race, crossing in 29:55 to claim 17th overall, while first-year runners Addison Zimmerman (30:36), JiaYi Gong (30:47), and Jessica Cecil (38:14) rounded out the Lions' scoring five. Hanna Bulles also contributed with a 38:50 finish to help Schuylkill edge Altoona for third overall.

Monroe University (NR) claimed the team title, but Schuylkill's collective effort—anchored by a mix of veterans and newcomers—showcased the program's depth and competitive energy heading into the championship stretch.

Team Finish: 3rd of 4 – 2:35:40 total time | 31:08 avg. per runner
Top Schuylkill Finishers:

• Lilley Anderson – 26:08 (3rd overall)

• Abigail Smithnosky – 29:55 (10th team scorer)

• Addison Zimmerman – 30:36 (13th team scorer)

• JiaYi Gong – 30:47 (14th team scorer)

• Jessica Cecil – 38:14 (22nd team scorer)

• Hanna Bulles – 38:50 (23rd team scorer)

Men's Recap

Penn State Schuylkill competed in a strong field at the weekend 8K meet featuring Lebanon Valley, Monroe University, DeSales, and several PSUAC counterparts. The Lions showcased growth and determination on the challenging course, led by junior Ashton Owens, who crossed first for Schuylkill in a time of 30:13 (6:04/mile pace), continuing his consistent season as the team's top finisher.

Freshman Gabriel Karnes followed with a time of 32:42, pacing well through the middle stages of the race and finishing strong in his first collegiate 8K. Senior Matthew O. clocked in at 34:49, while freshman Justin Garrido rounded out Schuylkill's top group in 38:11, continuing to gain valuable experience in his debut season.

Lebanon Valley won the men's team title (2:17:37), with Monroe and DeSales close behind. Though Schuylkill did not record a full team score, the men continue to progress toward PSUAC Championships with improved pacing and depth each week.

Top Schuylkill Finishers:

• Ashton Owens – 30:13 (27th overall)

• Gabriel Karnes – 32:42 (44th overall)

• Matthew O – 34:49 (47th overall)

• Justin Garrido – 38:11 (50th overall)