HOPKINTON, N.H. -- Freshman Kevin McBirney (East Bridgewater, Mass.) placed seventh to lead the Bridgewater State University men's cross country team on Saturday at the Eighth Annual Bruce Kirsh Cup hosted by Franklin Pierce University at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds.

McBirney covered the eight-kilometer course in a time of 26:08.42 as he was the Bears top finisher at the meet which featured 89 harriers.

Senior William Aylward (Peabody, Mass.) of host Franklin Pierce won the meet with a time of 25:17.65.

The Bears placed third in the team standings trailing only meet champion Franklin Pierce and St. Anselm College.

Also placing in the top 20 for the Bears was sophomore Sam Steere (West Kingston, R.I.) who crossed the line in 18th place with a time of 27:29.20. The next two to complete the course for Bridgewater State were junior Ryan Goldman (Franklin, Mass) and senior Ryan Glynn (Abington, Mass.). Goldman placed 22nd with a time of 27:41.57, while Glynn checked in at 37th with a time of 29:33.15.

Next Saturday, the Bears will compete at the Westfield State 25th Annual James Earley Invitational held at Stanley Park.