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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The Eagle women opened the 2026 season with a strong effort in the 2.5-mile race, highlighted by a top-10 individual finish from junior Sophia Noriega and several personal-best performances throughout the lineup.
Noriega led the Eagles from the start, finishing eighth overall in a time of 14:59.1. The junior was one of just eight runners to break the 15-minute mark on the challenging Buffalo Park course and opened her season with a new personal best.
Embry-Riddle's depth was on full display behind Noriega as sophomore Carlee Murphy and junior Mia Kemp finished just seconds apart. Murphy crossed the line 16th overall in 15:51.0, while Kemp posted a personal-best 15:54.4 to place 18th. The duo gave the Eagles three runners among the top 20 finishers in the field.
Sophomore Heidi Donovan and junior Kylie Monson rounded out Embry-Riddle's scoring five, finishing in 16:47.0 and 16:50.3, respectively. The pair helped the Eagles maintain a tight spread through the middle of the race and provided valuable scoring support in the season opener.
Senior Fionnula Carew added a time of 17:40.3, while freshman Sophia Lucero made her collegiate debut with an 18:13.7 performance. Sophomore Ariela Lerner continued the team's strong day with a personal-best 18:40.6, and sophomore Mia Sanchez also recorded a personal best, crossing the line in 20:25.7.
Women's Top Five
