The 2005/06 season for the women's cross country team had some bright spots as they claimed two team titles and a second place. The Monks were victorious at the U-Maine Presque Isle Invitational early in the season and then won the NCAA Northeast Independents Championship held at the home course. The team finished in second place at the SJC home invitational and finished ahead of the Alumni team in the first annual Alumni versus Varsity meet. The women also finished 7th among 12 teams in the State of Maine meet held at Colby College.

Sophomore co-captain Sarah Willis of Buckland, Mass., once again led the women's team. Sarah, a nursing major, was the Monks' top runner at every meet and she was the overall winner in four of the nine races she competed in. Willis concluded the season by making the All-Iindependent Second Team nationwide.

Finishing next for the team in every meet was either Jasmine Smith of Sebago, Me., or co-captain Aubrey Gray of Winthrop, Mass., both sophomore runners, as well. Sophomore Suzanne Connelly of Hingham, Mass., freshman Sara Forrest of Westport Island, Me., and Michelle Sanborn of nearby Standish, Me. closely contested the next three team spots. Rounding out the roster were a couple of seniors, Robin Caron of Portage Lake, Me., and Shannon Flynn of Manchester, N.H.

The end of the season Most Valuable Runner award went to Sarah Willis, while the Most Improved Award went to Shannon Flynn and the Coaches Award to Suzanne Connelly.

With six of the team members returning and the anticipation of six more newcomers coming on board, the future looks promising for Saint Joseph's women's cross country program.