Moncton, NB - The Crandall Chargers men's and women's cross-country teams made their season debut on Saturday, hosting the conference's best on their home course at Mapleton Park. The meet's one-week delay caused by Hurricane Lee proved to be beneficial for all, as clear skies and warm temperatures made for excellent running conditions. Recording team wins on both sides, the reigning men's and women's champions put the league on notice that they're out to defend their conference banners this season.

In the women's 6K race, Michaela Allen, Clareta Livingstone, and Mary Fillmore formed a pack early on, only beginning to separate over the final kilometre. Allen would place 2^nd in 25:42, Livingstone 3^rd in 25:53, and Fillmore 4^th in 26:01. Rylee Stanford followed close behind, rounding-out the team scoring in finishing 6^th with a time of 27:29. Laura Sanchez Fonseca placed 9^th in 28:23, while Lydia Bodechon crossed the line 14^th in 31:23.

The Chargers led the women's team standings with 15 points, followed by the Mount Allison Mounties with 27, and the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics with 41.

In the men's 8K race, Luke Purdy led from start to finish, recording an impressive time of 29:06, while Jackson Culberson gave chase, placing 2^nd in 30:23. Luc Blanchette was not far behind, placing 4^th in 32:15, while Charles Taylor rounded-out the team scoring with a 9^th place finish, running a time of 35:54. Justin Reimer crossed the line 22^nd with a time of 39:46.

The Chargers led the men's team standings with 16 points, followed by the Mount Allison Mounties with 23, and the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus Rams with 41.

"This was a very motivating start to our season," said Head Coach Brandon LeBlanc. "Not only did everyone run well individually, but they ran exceptionally well as a team, working off one another to push the pace and challenge for position. I'm very proud of how each and every one of them performed today."

The Chargers will be in action again on Saturday, Sept. 30^th, as they compete in the second meet of the regular season, hosted by Holland College in Brookvale, PEI.