XC opens 2016 season with Nassaney Invitational

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's and women's cross country teams open their season on Saturday with the 16th annual Shawn M. Nassaney Invitational at Bryant University.

Saturday's invitational will be preceded by the Nassaney Memorial Race/Walk that will begin at 9:00 a.m. The children's race begins at 9:45 and the women's (10:15) and men's (10:45) collegiate races will follow.

The Bulldogs, predicted to finish third in both the men's and women's polls, return a strong group of runners this fall. On the men's side, junior Milan Duka (Belgrade, Serbia) returns after earning All-NEC honors in each of his first two years. Duka has finished ninth and 10th at the NEC Championships the last two seasons. Also back will be senior Richard Landry (Holyoke, Mass.) who has finished inside the top 20 at NECs in each of the last two years. Seniors Alexander Evans (Bow, N.H.) and Ryan Gannon (Litchfield, Conn.), and junior Ryan Poholek (North Attleboro, Mass.) give Bryant a veteran squad.

Bryant will feature a great deal of talent on the women's side this fall. Former NEC Rookie of the Year Emily McNeil (Shelton, Conn.) is back for her final season and will be competing on the same championship course that she earned her honor. Also back is junior Elizabeth Willmonton (Rowley, Mass.), an All-NEC performer that finished sixth at last year's NEC Championships. The Bulldogs will also look to get a big contribution from junior Melissa Lodge (Hopkinton, Mass.). Lodge will be competing in cross country for the first time at Bryant after having to sit out last year. She was outstanding in the distance events during the track and field season, earning a bronze medal in the mile at indoor championships. Junior Sarah Lapham (Greenwich, N.Y.) also has the chance to have a breakout year this fall.