HAVERFORD, Pa. — The Haverford College women's cross country team opened its 2026 campaign Saturday afternoon with the annual three-mile Alumnae Race at the Fran Rizzo Cross Country Course at Haverford College. The traditional season-opening event brought current Fords and program alumnae together for an early-season test and yearly celebration of the program.

Griffin Kaulbach '21 led the returning alumnae, placing sixth overall with a time of 20:01. Sophia Furman '26 followed in 10th place at 21:07, while Angie Petrichenko '22 completed the course in 23:42 to finish 15th. Olivia D'Aulerio '26 also competed.

For the current varsity squad, senior Anastasia Jaycobs led the field, winning the race in 18:13. Jaycobs crossed 27 seconds ahead of senior teammate Alice Sappenfield, who secured second place in 18:40.

First-year Eme Williams made a strong collegiate debut, placing third overall with a time of 19:09. Classmate Rylee Diller followed in fourth, crossing in 19:27.

Senior Grace Chen gave the varsity squad a sweep of the first five positions with a time of 19:35. First-year Charlotte Yanke completed the course in 20:05 to take seventh, giving Haverford six of the first seven overall finishers, including three making their collegiate debuts.

Sophomore Madeline Ruchelman placed eighth in 20:21, while fellow sophomore Keiko Chinen followed in ninth with a time of 20:27.

First-year Aaralyn Julian crossed in 21:11 to take 11th in her collegiate debut. Senior Claire Parsons finished 12th in 21:46, while first-year Hala Mohammad placed 13th with a time of 21:52. Senior Judy Xie completed the varsity finishers, crossing in 22:21 to take 14th. Junior Maia Poremba also attended the race.

Haverford will return to action Friday, Sept. 18, hosting the Main Line Invitational at the Fran Rizzo Cross Country Course. The women's race is scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m.