The cross country team ran the Carnegie Mellon University Invitational Saturday, which acted as a home meet right in the team’s backyard of Schenley Park.

The women’s team ran first at 10 a.m., just missing the heat of the day and continuing their streak of success, placing in seventh of 16 teams who ran the 5K that day. The women ran without top runner Anna Shields, who had the week off after breaking 17 minutes last race at Louisville.

“Today was brutal, I’m not gonna lie,” freshman Kayla Roberts said. “And it was a lot [more] different than the other courses. We had a lot of flat, fast courses the past few meets. Today was a lot of hills. We pushed ourselves more; we’re doing so good. Everyone has so much potential.”

Roberts was the top runner for the women’s previous race at Louisville after Shields. This week she came in 37th place at 20 minutes, 18 seconds. She picked up 47 seconds on her previous time.

The top performer last weekend for Point Park was freshman Alyssa Boyd, who placed 21st of 178 runners with a time of 19 minutes, 44 seconds, dropping 27 seconds off of her previous time.

“I felt it was a good result,” head coach Kelly Parsley said. “Both seniors ran personal bests, which is a great way to end their season. Boyd has been battling illness recently so it was good to see her on top this race.”

The men’s team came in ninth of 19 overall in the 8K race that started an hour after the women’s race.

The top performer for the men was junior Sean Hilverding, who finished in 27 minutes, 15 seconds in 25th of 208 runners.

Bradley Calleja was the second men’s finisher in 50th place with a time of 28 minutes and 23 seconds. Dannys Marrero followed as Point Park’s third finisher after he fell at the beginning of the race. He pushed through with a time of 28 minutes and 41 seconds.

“The men’s lineup has changed every week,” Parsley said. “Brad, one of our captains, really stepped up and we needed that. The men have a ways to go but it was a much better year.”

Schenley Park presents a tough, “hilly” course for runners.

“The first three miles felt okay, but then after that you’re turning around and coming back up to the finish then it’s all uphill,” freshman Zach Jenkins said. “Going into it, you’re not looking to run that fast because of how hilly it is. It’s a true cross country course.”

After the race parents and Pioneers alike gathered for a picnic just off the course and recognized their graduating seniors.

Point Park honored Brittany Maniet and Alexis Sherman, who are both captains, and Mckenzie Wilson, who had graduated a year early. The entire team celebrated Point Park’s Family Weekend together as one big family.

“What I like about this team is being a part of this family,” freshman Dylan Allen said. “I love everyone on the team. I’m ready for the next three years and I’m happy for my mother being here today.”

The tradition of recognizing seniors was started by Parsley when he took over the program.

“I like tradition,” Parsley said. “All these sports have time for these recognitions at half time, but cross country doesn’t have a half time. It’s all about creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s what I try to set up here at Point Park.”

Point Park will compete next at the Asbury University Invitational Saturday, Oct. 21.