WELLESLEY, Mass. -- The Wellesley College cross country team raced at the Purple Valley Classic, the most competitive Division III meet in the United States on Saturday. Despite resting two of their top five runners, the Blue finished a solid eighth-place at the Williams College event, which featured seven nationally ranked teams. The Blue finished second among the six NEWMAC schools entered in the 19-team event, finishing behind MIT who took fourth overall.

Camille Basurto led the Wellesley charge with a breakthrough performance, placing 12th in the 210-runner field with a time of 23:04, a personal best by more than a minute. Her time was also the fastest-ever Wellesley clocking on the Williams College 6-kilometer course. Next for the Blue were Cristina Lucas, who posted a solid time of 23:40 to finish 32nd overall in her first 6K race, and Molly Shanley, whose personal best time of 23:43 ranked her 34th.

Wrapping up the scoring for Wellesley were first-years Margaret Wehner who took 97th place in 25:08, and Doris Berman who placed 107th with a time of 25:28.

The Blue are back in action on Saturday at 10:45am, participating in the Pop Crowell Invitational at Gordon College.