PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Little East Conference has announced its year-end honorees in women's cross country and the UMass Dartmouth coaching staff has earned top billing by the conference's coaches.
Fourth-year head coach
Ryan O'Connell, along with assistant coach
Vinny Gardner '24 were tabbed as the Little East Women's Coaching Staff of the Year after a tremendous season. The honor culminated in the women's team capturing their seventh title in program history and first since the 1998 season on Saturday, October 31.
UMass Dartmouth saw its top seven runners place 23rd or better in the 6k event at VTSU Castleton, including six of the runners in the Top-19. Pacing the way was senior captain
Sarah Lynch, who finished second overall with a mark of 22:48.9 – just shy of her all-time best. It marked her second straight season garnering All-LEC First Team honors.
The Corsairs saw three runners earn All-LEC Second Team honors, including sophomore
Alexah Pedder, who placed eighth overall in 23:47.8, while classmate Elana Aponte was 12th in 24:02.2. Senior captain
Sophie Owen went on to cross the finish line in 24:03.2 to record her second straight Second Team honor and 14th overall.
Currently, the women's team is ranked in the latest USTFCCCA Regional Rankings, sitting ninth overall in the Northeast Region after their performance at the LEC Championship. Additionally, the men's squad - which finished second overall at the LEC Championships - are currently ranked 10th in the Northeast Regional polls.
UMass Dartmouth will return to action on November 14 as the both squads travel to the Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland, Maine for the 2026 NCAA Northeast Regionals – hosted by Bates College. The women's 6k event begins at 11am with the men's 8k starting at 12pm.
