Northampton, Mass. – In what many might consider the best team race in a long while, the Clark University men's cross country team just missed out on the team crown, finishing in second place at the Smith College Invitational on Saturday morning.

New England Women's And Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) rival Springfield College, who had the event's top three finishers, edged out the Cougars by two points.

"Our kids ran with all their heart," said head coach Bill Gray. "I'm so proud of their effort and to see them steadily improving and the fact that it is starting to show in the results is a testament to them."

Sophomore Alex Hull (Mount Laurel, N.J.) was the Scarlet and White's top overall finisher, turning in a fourth place performance in a time of 17:30 over the 5K layout.

Close on his heels was veteran John Allard (Smithfield, R.I.) who was fifth overall in a time of 17:35. He was closely followed by another Cougar – Rhys Duquette (Holyoke, Mass.) – who crossed the finish line in fifth place (17:57).

Ryan VanDine (Bolton, Conn.) wrapped up the course in 17:59, good for seventh overall, while teammate Seamus O'Connor (Granby, Mass.) completed Clark's top five with a tenth place showing in 18:16.

Clark returns to action on Saturday, September 19 when they take part in the UMass-Dartmouth Shriners' Invitational.