Women's Cross Country 9/8/2026 10:37:00 AM

Hawks Open Season With Four Top-20 Finishes at NCC XC Invitational

Warrenville, IL: The Harper women's cross country team opened its 2026 season on Friday at the NCC XC Invitational, hosted by North Central College. Due to the heat and humidity, the scheduled race distance was shortened to three miles for the dual meet between the Cardinals and Hawks.

Harper sent four runners to the starting line, and all four finished inside the top 20. Cecilia Puchalski led the Hawks in her collegiate debut, placing 16th with a time of 23:06. Fellow freshman Amanda Albrecht was close behind, finishing 17th in 23:20.

Lucy Reyna, making her cross country debut after competing in pole vault for the Hawks during track and field, placed 19th with a time of 25:49. Carly Bierman rounded out the Harper lineup in 20th, crossing the finish line in 26:02 after losing her shoes during the race.

Despite the challenging conditions and shortened distance, the Hawks saw each of their four competitors finish inside the top 20 in their first test of the season. The young Harper roster will look to build on the opening meet as the season progresses.

The Hawks will return to action on Saturday, September 12, at the Ken Weidt Classic in Mequon, WI.

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Players Mentioned

Cecilia Puchalski: Freshman

Amanda Albrecht: Freshman

Carly Bierman: Freshman

Lucy Reyna: Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Cecilia Puchalski
: Freshman

Amanda Albrecht
: Freshman

Carly Bierman
: Freshman

Lucy Reyna
: Sophomore