LINCOLN, R.I. – Behind a strong performance from individual champion Danielle Poto (North Andover, Mass.), the Bridgewater State University women's cross country team captured first place at the Tri-State Invitational hosted by CCRI on Saturday in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Poto covered the five-kilometer course in a time of 19:42.43 as the Bears' senior captain outdistanced the field of 101 harriers by nearly 20 seconds.

Next across the line for the Bears was junior Rachel Ducharme (North Attleboro, Mass.) who placed fourth in 20:12.09.  Junior Emily Ducharme (North Attleboro, Mass.) followed in fifth place (20:12.54), while freshman Jessica Roberts (Mendon, Mass.) rounded out the Bears' four top ten finishers as she grabbed the tenth spot (20:36.95).

To round out the team standings, Salve Regina University finished second and Roger Williams University was third followed by Eastern Connecticut in fourth place and Wheaton Mitchell College in fifth.

After a weekend off, the BSU cross country teams will compete at the Connecticut College Invitational on October 17th.