FAIRVIEW, Pa. – A pair of freshmen highlighted the performance of the Gannon women's cross country team in the season-opening Race in the Park on Friday at Pleasant Ridge Park.
 
Emily Bowers (Silver Creek, N.Y./Silver Creek) placed third in the 4K race with a time of 16:31.7, and Alexis Abbett (Sharpsburg, Pa./Aquinas Academy) finished fourth in 16:40.7 while helping the Golden Knights place second in the team standings.
 
Walsh won the team race with 23 points as senior Andi Mann claimed the victory in 15:33.0. Gannon was second with 45 points, while Mercyhurst was third with 56.
 
The season-opening home race also served as Senior Day for Gannon. The Golden Knights honored seniors Octavia Kosnik (Union City, Pa./Union City) and Elissa Scheel (Medina, Ohio/Highland), while Gavyn Hansotte and Adam Kanterman were recognized from the men's team.
 
Gannon's next three finishers were Elissa Scheel (Medina, Ohio/Highland) (9th, 17:27.5),  Megan Ickes (Greenville, Pa./Greenville) (14th, 18:11.4), Taylor Friello (Erie, Pa./Mercyhurst Prep) (15th, 18:12.0).
 
Team scores:
1. Walsh 23
2. Gannon 45
3. Mercyhurst 56 

Top-five finishers
1. Andi Mann, Walsh, 15:33.0
2. Eloise Willet, Walsh, 16:20.9
3. Emily Bowers (Silver Creek, N.Y./Silver Creek), Gannon, 16:31.7
4. Alexis Abbett (Sharpsburg, Pa./Aquinas Academy), Gannon, 16:40.7
5. Ellie Radis, Walsh, 16:48.4
 
Gannon runners
3. Emily Bowers (Silver Creek, N.Y./Silver Creek), 16:31.7
4. Alexis Abbett (Sharpsburg, Pa./Aquinas Academy), 16:40.7
9. Elissa Scheel (Medina, Ohio/Highland), 17:27.5
14. Megan Ickes (Greenville, Pa./Greenville), 18:11.4
15. Taylor Friello (Erie, Pa./Mercyhurst Prep), 18:12.0
17. Jessica McCracken (Limestone, Pa./Clarion-Limestone Area), 18:24.6
21. Maggie Mahoney (Erie, Pa./Fairview), 18:36.9
22. Brooke Wissinger (Fombell, Pa./Riverside), 18:37.8   
23. Doris Taucher (Akron, Ohio/Chardon), 18:43.9           
24. Amy Poole (Walston, Pa./Punxsutawney Area), 18:55.5
28. Genna Preston (McKean, Pa./General McLane), 19:22.2        
30. Octavia Kosnik (Union City, Pa./Union City), 19:59.0         
33. Megan Ferber (Erie, Pa./McDowell), 22:49.9