Women's Cross Country Turns In Highest America East Championship Finish Since 2014

Beraich and Norcross earn All-Conference Honors

Albany, N.Y. – The UMBC women's cross country squad delivered a terrific performance, charging to a fourth-place finish out of nine teams at the thrilling 5k 2026 America East Conference Championships, hosted by UAlbany on Friday morning. This stellar result marks UMBC's best showing since 2014. Last season, the Retrievers placed sixth overall.

Redshirt senior Lyna Beraich blazed her way to First Team All-Conference honors, finishing fifth overall in a blistering 17:35.5, just thirty seconds behind champion Mary-Kate Finn (UMass Lowell). Beraich's accomplishment is historic, making her the first Retriever in a decade to earn First Team recognition, following in the footsteps of Sophie Cologer in 2016. Alex Hyland previously set the program record with a third-place finish in 2007.

Sophomore Lilly Norcross also shined, racing her way to Second Team honors with a strong 14th-place finish in 17:54.4.

Junior Katie Schwaner powered into the top 20, claiming 19th place with a determined 18:04.2.

Freshman Alyssa Mattes, senior Katelyn Deal, and sophomore Maddie Wassin formed a formidable pack, surging across the line in 28^th (18:20.3), 34^th (18:30.5), and 44th (18:36.9), respectively.

Sophomore Micah Haskins capped off the Retrievers' scoring with a gritty 70th-place finish in 19:06.9.

Vermont won the event with 61 points.

Team Scores