Esther Kendall '10

Something about the New England Division III Regional Cross Country Championships seems to bring out the best in Bates junior Esther Kendall. For the second straight year, Kendall picked New Englands to lead the Bates women’s cross country team for the first time all season.

Kendall (Ridgeway, Ontario) led a team performance that showcased impressive depth and balance, as the Bobcats, who entered the race ranked No. 10 in New England, placed eighth out of 49 teams. Kendall finished 43rd out of 330 runners in the race at Williams College’s home course, covering the 6 kilometers in a time of 24:16.8, meanwhile edging out a pack of teammates who were close behind, including sophomore Liz Rowley (Evanston, Ill.) in 47th at 24:25.3, sophomore Alex Alberto (Concord, Mass.) in 50th at 24:27.3, sophomore Chloe Bourne (Litchfield, Conn.) in 54th at 24:34.4, junior Abby Samuelson (Freeport, Maine) in 74th at 24:55.3 and senior Allie Goldstein (Needham, Mass.) in 76th at 24:56.4.

At last year’s New Englands, Kendall was placed 47th out of 344 runners, again leading a tight pack of Bobcats, as Bates finished in ninth place.