Lancers Have Strong Team Showing at Suffolk Ice Breaker Challenge to Kick off 2026

Worcester, MA- The Lancers women's indoor track and field team brought a strong Worcester presence to the Track at New Balance on Friday, competing at the Suffolk Ice Breaker Challenge against a deep and competitive field.

On the track, the highlight of the meet came in the 400 meters, where Worcester County athletes were front and center. Senior Bridget O'Malley (Leominster, MA) turned in one of the top performances of the day, finishing seventh overall in 67.65, narrowly edging out first-year standout Tamara Ayala-Garcia (Lawrence, MA), who placed eighth in 67.66. Fellow first year Janine Betcher (Fontana, CA) followed closely behind in ninth at 67.69, giving the Lancers three top-nine finishes in the event. Junior Mia Guinto (West Boylston, MA) added valuable experience with an 18th-place finish, while first year Makenna Perro (Brookfield, MA) and sophomore Gracie Van Akin (Belmont, VT) rounded out the Lancers' 400-meter efforts.

The mile showcased another strong Worcester-area showing. Senior Leah Berg (Worcester, MA)led the Lancers, placing 40th in 5:55.36, while fellow senior Claudia Symonick (Auburn, MA) paced the Lancers in the 800 meters with a time of 2:49.49. First-year Anna Serafini Leominster, MA) was one of the top Lancer finishers in the mile, crossing the line 38th in 5:51.59, just ahead of Berg. Sophomore Samantha Edwards (East Longmeadow, MA) and senior Kelsey Gendreau (Seekonk, MA) also delivered steady efforts as the Lancers built early-season depth in the distance events.

In the sprints, first year Peyton Watkins (Salisbury, MA) recorded the top Lancer finish in the 200 meters, placing 68th overall. Worcester first year Lilah Delongchamp (Worcester, MA) gained valuable collegiate experience in the same event, finishing 78th in her first major indoor meet.

The Lancers' 4x400-meter relay, featuring Ayala-Garcia, Guinto, O'Malley, Perro, Van Akin, and sophomore Emily Bodwell (Lakeville, MA), finished 14th overall with a time of 4:34.09, capping off a productive day on the oval.

In the field events, the Lancers shined at the Division III level. Junior Lauren Condike (East Longmeadow, MA) placed 21st in the high jump with a clearance of 1.45 meters, earning a fifth-place finish among Division III competitors. Junior Alexis Strong (Southington, CT) delivered one of the top performances of the meet in the long jump, placing 10th overall with a mark of 4.83 meters, which ranked second among Division III athletes. In the throws, first year Jenna Lopez (West Springfield, MA) impressed in the shot put, finishing 15th overall and fifth in Division III with a throw of 10.31 meters, while senior Ava Piccolo (Tewksbury, MA) added another solid mark for the Lancers.

The Lancers are back in action next Saturday with a trip to Springfield College for the Massasoit Invitational.