Led by conference champion Grace Phair (Stockbridge, Mass./Monument Mtn.), the Westfield State women's cross country team won the 2019 MASCAC Championship at Moore State Park in Paxton on Saturday.
The Owls won their 14th conference title in the last 16 years. Westfield won 13 straight titles from 2004-16, before being dethroned by Worcester State the past two season.
"They really woke up today for the occasion," said Owls head coach Bill Devine.
Phair and Owls' sophomore Amy Sullivan (Greenfield, Mass.) ran as part of the lead group throughout the race, with Phair kicking away to win late in a time of 19:10.
Phair earns the league's Runner of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards with the win.
"They were in front 99 percent of the race," said Devine. "Grace got away a little bit on the last big hill and surged ahead at the end. Amy just got nipped in the final 30 yards for second place."
Sullivan placed third, in 19:24, just a second behind Bridgewater's Jenise Madden.
Westfield State senior Andrea Noland (Kingston, Mass.) finished sixth in 20:30. Noland claims all-conference honors for the fourth straight season, placing in the league's top 10 individuals all four years at the conference championship meet.
"We really needed Andrea today, she was big as our third runner," said Devine. "She's a hard worker, and comes from a great family that is always appreciative and supportive."
Mia MacDonald (Westfield, Mass.) 11th and Abigail Wager (Middleboro, Mass.) (13th) rounded out the Owls scoring five runners.
Westfield's Kait Pajer (Leicester, Mass.) (14th) Jackie Caffarelli (17th), Rachel Farley (Paxton, Mass.) (19th) and Erin Giugno (Marlbourough, Mass.) (21st) all turned in strong performances as well.
"Our 4-5-6-7 runners did fantastic," Devine said. "Jackie Caffarelli come out of the woodwork with a great effort."
Westfield State University was crowned champion with 34 points.
In second place was Bridgewater State University with a team score of 51 points. Defending champion Worcester finished third.
Bridgewater State's Connor Foley was named MASCAC Coach of the Year following the race.
Westfield will take a break next weekend, while training for the NCAA Division III regional meet at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine on November 16.