The UConn women’s cross country squad will compete in the Big East Championship on Friday, Oct. 31, in Ashland, Neb.
The Huskies have amassed an impressive record this year and have been among the top finishers in all their meets this season, including two first place wins in September: first out of 14 teams at the University of Hartford Invitational, and first out of nine teams at the Ted Owen XC invitational.
Last weekend, the Huskies attended the Princeton Fall Classic and finished fifth out of 25 teams. Senior captain Chloe Trudel had a career day, finishing eleventh in the 6K and earning a personal best time of 20:22.8. Trudel’s freshman colleague, Sascha Letica, was close behind, finishing 16th with a personal best time of 20:25.8. The senior-freshman duo has been strong this year, leading the team in top times and finishes.
Even with their strong record, the Huskies will be challenged at the Big East Championship, facing competitive conference times and teams.
Historically, Georgetown has been a tough competitor, taking the first-place prize in last year’s Big East Championship. This year, the Huskies and Hoyas faced off at the Paul Short Run in early October. UConn finished sixth out of 40 teams, whereas Georgetown took third. Georgetown’s Melissa Riggins took the gold in the women’s 6K with a 19:34.8 time, while Hoyas’ Barrett Justema (7th) and Charlotte Tomkinson (14) were close behind. As for the Huskies, Brooke Strauss was the first Husky to finish, earning twenty fourth place with a 20:22.4 time. Trudel (33rd) and Letica (45th) were close behind. With many Hoya and Husky athletes hovering around the 20-minute mark in the 6K, the race could be a nail-biter.
Providence has also been a tough conference competitor, finishing second in the 2024 Big East Championships, just above UConn’s third place finish. This year, the Friars are led by sophomores Gabrielle Schmidt and Anna Gardiner and senior Cara Laverty.
Laverty has been strong this season, posting competitive times and earning several personal bests. In her 2025 Providence College Friar XC Invitational showing, Laverty finished second with a personal best time of 14:29.2 in the 4K.
Villanova’s Sadie Sigfstead will also be tough competition. At last year’s conference championship, Sigfstead finished fourth overall, posting an excellent 19:56.25 time. During the 2024 season, Sigfstead was named All-American, All-Big East First Team and earned the Big East Female Athlete of the Week recognition.
Despite the tough competition, the Huskies are no stranger to a challenge. The women’s 6K will begin at 12:50 p.m. and viewers can stream the race on ESPN+.