Boston, MA- The Salem College Cross-Country Team traveled north this weekend to compete in the Association of Division III Independents Northeast Regional Cross-Country Championships. The 5000 meter championship race was held in Franklin Park, southeast of downtown Boston. The weather was breezy with 57 degree temperatures with a clear blue sky as the gun went off.

Salem College placed its first 4 harriers in the top six spots to help earn their first Association of Division III Independents Cross-Country Championship. Rachel Fichthorn (Jr., Nokesville, VA) won the overall individual title as she pulled away from her competitors after the first mile. Fichthorn’s winning time was 20:35 as she won by 31 seconds. Daphne Nichols (Jr., Machiasport, ME) placed 4th overall with a time of 21:58. Julie Piernikowski (FY, Potomac, MD) placed 5th (22:36) and Lauren Meek (So., Draper, VA) placed 6th (22:58). Ariel Barker (So., Monroe, NC) finished Salem’s top scoring five with a 14th place finish (25:17) to help ensure the championship title. Anna Nieboer (FY, St. Cloud, FL) ran well, finishing 22nd (29:46).

The final team scores were Salem College-29, University of Maine at Presque Isle-35, Green Mountain College-73, Newbury College-74 and Mitchell College-incomplete team.

Salem College’s Rachel Fichthorn, Daphne Nichols and Julie Piernikowski were named to the All-Association of Division III Independents Championship Cross-Country Team. Each student-athlete received a medal for their top five finishes.