EDINBORO, Pa. – The Mercyhurst cross country teams officially opened their 2026 season at the Doug Watts Open. Competing against other schools such as Slippery Rock, Edinboro and Allgheny, the women's team placed sixth overall in the 5k. Meanwhile, the men placed fifth overall in the 6k.
 
The women were amongst 74 racers in the 5k. The first Laker finish came from Rowan Milliron, placing 17^th overall with a time of 20:31.40. Molly McIntyre placed 28^th overall with a time of 21:05.20. Hayden Palmer placed 35^th overall with a time of 21:26.40.
 
The next Laker to complete the race was Kaila Szczygielski. She placed 38^th overall with a time of 23:46.70. Addison Pettis placed 63^rd overall with a time of 23:46.70. Julia Zajac placed 73^rd overall with a time of 26:21.50.
 
The men were amongst 85 total racers in the 6k. Thomas Gaydos was the first Laker to finish, placing 20^th overall with a time of 20:58.80. Xavier Mohmaed was next, placing 27^th overall with a time of 21:08.30. Sawyer Bonnett placed 31^st overall with a time of 21:19.90.
 
Camden Pierce finished five seconds later, placing 33^rd overall with a time of 21:24.90. Lucas Izbicki placed 40^th overall with a time of 21:43.50. Max Dillaman placed 49^th overall with a time of 21:55.20. Nicholas Schaefer finished two places later at 51^st, finishing with a time of 21:57.20.
 
Daniel Derby placed 61^st overall with a time of 22:35.30. Ian Ginther placed 71^st overall with a time of 23.07.60. Adin Bish placed 73^rd overall with a time of 23:51.10. Tyler Corbin placed 76^th overall with a time of 24:40.90. Alexander Rowe placed 82^nd overall with a time of 27:38.20.
 
The Lakers continue their season when they go to the Lock Haven Invitational on Saturday, Sep. 26.