Smithfield, R.I.--Freshman Kristen Fountaine (Cranston, R.I.) was the top Anchorwoman performer as the Rhode Island College women's cross country team opened the 2026 season at Bryant's Shawn M. Nassaney Invitational on Saturday.
 
THE BASICS
• RIC was the lone Div. III institution at the meet and competed against Div. I URI, Bryant, Merrimack and Stonehill.
 
• There were 57 runners who competed at the invitational, which was a 5k.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Fountaine finished 41st (20:24.20).
 
• Junior Grace Lane (North Smithfield, R.I.) finished 54th (22:33.20).
 
• Sophomore Stephanie Sican Velez (Providence, R.I.) finished 55th (27:09.40).
 
• Senior Lexie Zakrzewski (Taunton, Mass.) finished 56th (27:13.40).
 
• Senior Shirley Portillo (North Providence, R.I.) finished 57th (28:36.00).
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will compete at the UMass Dartmouth Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 19.