BIDDEFORD, Maine – The Worcester State University men's cross country team finished sixth place overall out of 15 teams in the 8K University of New England Invitational Saturday morning at Rotary Park.

Worcester State scored 155 points overall. The team's overall average time was 30:31 for the 8K run. The team ahead of the Lancers was Gordon College who had 141 points with an average time of 30:09.

All of Worcester State's individuals who placed for the team were made up of a freshman-sophomore combination.

"We have a very young group, and the majority are willing to take directrion from me," said head coach Al Halper. "They continue to respond well, and are able to read the cues from me during their races."

The top performer for the Lancers at the Invitational was freshman Michael Ricci (Peabody, Mass.), who placed 13^th running the 8K in 28:53.  Right behind him was sophomore Devin Luce (Milford, Mass.) with a time of 29:50.

Coming in third and fourth for the Lancers were freshman Robert Davis (Acton, Mass.) and freshman Christian Vera (Worcester, Mass.) with times of 30:10 and 30:53, respectively.

Finishing up for the Lancers was sophomore Patrick Scheeler (Wakefield, Mass.) (31:00), freshman Joseph Grider (Hopedale, Mass.) (32:19), freshman Carlos Nieves (Clinton, Mass.) (33:15), and sophomore Tyler Royek (Pembroke, Mass.) (37:07).

"We did not run our entire team this week, as we are still in the developmental stage." said Halper. "We are a late season team, and I look forward to see where we stand in future meets this season."

In conjunction with the Lancers women's team, the men's cross country team will also travel to UMass-Dartmouth to take place in the Shriners Invitational on Sep. 19.

Overall Team Scores:

1. University of New England (38)
2. Wentworth Institute (87)
3. Endicott College (101)
4. Plymouth State University (131)
5. Gordon College (141)
6. Worcester State University (155)
7. Lasell College (179)
8. Maine/Presque Isle (187)
9. Mass. Maritime (198)
10. Maine Maritime Academy (223)
11. St. Joe's (305)
12. Unity College (370)
13. Nichols (388)
14. Wheelock College (394)
15. Mount Idea College (465)

Complete Results can be found HERE