University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Spider Alumni Open
Women Third, Men Fifth at Spider Alumni Open
09/05/2026 | Cross Country
Solorzano Places Fourth in Collegiate Debut
MECHANICSVILLE, Va. — Richmond's women's cross country team placed third and the men's team finished fifth at the season-opening Spider Alumni Open Saturday at Pole Green Park.
The women's team was led by freshman Ella Solorzano at the 4K distance. Solorzano placed fourth in 14:26.7, the best finish by a Richmond runner in this event since Elizabeth Stockman placed third in 2023. Freshman Kiera Lowman finished 11th in 14:46.9 and sophomore Lily Strebel placed 12th in 14:49.0. Junior Addie Cohen (22nd in 15:08.3) and sophomore Lydia Shields (24th in 15:10.0) rounded out Richmond's scoring five.
Sixteen teams competed in the women's race, with Richmond (73 points) finishing behind only William & Mary (56 points) and Georgetown (71 points).
At the 6K distance, the men's team was paced by senior Eric Scully, who placed 22nd in 19:18.8. Also contributing to Richmond's team score of 144 points were freshman Ryan Gibson (29th in 19:32.0), freshman Luke Andresen (36th in 19:53.6), sophomore Bennett Wright (39th in 19:57.9) and senior Carter Bruns (41st in 20:01.2).
Of the 14 teams in the race, the Spiders finished behind William & Mary (33 points), Georgetown (34 points), Norfolk State (65 points) and American (93 points).
Next up for the Spiders is the Virginia Invitational in Charlottesville, Va., on Friday, Sept. 18.
