Mercyhurst University Athletics

Francis, running in the final home event of her collegiate career, claimed the individual title at the ninth annual Race In The Park on a chilly, sunny Saturday morning at Pleasant Ridge Park. Francis' time helped the Mercyhurst University women's cross country team claim the overall title, edging Gannon University. Francis, a native of Goodrich, Michigan, was able to hold off a late charge by Gannon's Victoria Bujdos to win the race by just under three seconds. The Laker senior crossed the line in 19:38.6, with Bujdos coming in at 19:41.3.