WILLIAMSTOWN - The Williams women finished second at the New England Division III Championships on Saturday, Nov. 10, with a strong posting of 96 points. That wasn’t enough to top the Amherst squad, who ran away with only 40 points. Forty-seven teams competed at Connecticut College's Harkness Park, with 344 runners in all.
The 6K course was slightly altered after last year's infamous NESCAC championship through torrential rain and driving wind. The course no longer includes the marsh loop that left many harriers with an unsightly "NESCAC rash" but still featured the beautiful waterfront views. With many open field loops, the race provided for great spectating, and with a noticeably flat route the course also allowed for some fast times. Cool temperatures, dry ground, and sunny skies made for perfect racing conditions.
At the 11 a.m. gun, the Ephs went out hard with junior Rachel Asher and senior captain Lissy Robie pushing their way to the front. Sophomores Olga Kondratjeva and Elly Teitsworth held back for a more conservative start and began working their way up as other weary runners began to falter to join their teammates toward the front. As the race continued, a large cluster of purple harriers grouped together, motivating one another toward the finish.
Kondratjeva was the first Williams woman to cross the line clocking a blazing fast time of 21:59, good enough to capture eighth place. Not far behind was her teammate Asher in 11th (22:09). In a breakout race, Teitsworth and senior captain Liz Gleason finished next within one second of one another in 24th (22:31) and 25th (22:32) respectively. Robie (28th, 22:33) and junior Lauren Philbrook (30th, 22:39) both finished in great position joining their teammates in earning New England All-Region honors by placing in the top 35. Sophomore Moira Yoe rounded out the Williams top 7 with a strong finish of 22:54 in order secure 46th place.
Robie was impressed with the number of Williams women who rose to the occasion: "Lots of people stepped up today and really helped out the team. We have had a good number of girls continually moving up every meet, which really bodes well for nationals."
Adding to the excitement of the afternoon was the large cheering section of Williams fans who drove to Connecticut to support the team. Because Williams finished in the top two, the women were able to guarantee a spot at the NCAA Championships next weekend in Northfield, Minn., at St. Olaf College.
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
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