Madison Hedglin Shines at MAC Championship with Major Wins

In a remarkable display of athleticism, freshman Madison Hedglin from Misericordia University seized the title at the MAC cross country championship on March 2, 2024. Competing at Delaware Valley University, Hedglin’s outstanding performance not only earned her the championship but also led to her being named both MAC Runner of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Her efforts contributed to the Cougars finishing second in the team standings with a total of 55 points, narrowly trailing behind Lebanon Valley College.

Hedglin’s teammate, Madison Kammer, also played a pivotal role in the team’s success, finishing fifth overall in the race. In a strong showing for the Cougars, the men’s team also made headlines. Trey Rhinehart and Ryan Weber achieved first-team All-MAC honors, with Rhinehart finishing third and Weber sixth, leading the Cougars to a commendable third-place finish.

Strong Performances Across Other Sports

The Cougars’ success extended beyond cross country. In women’s soccer, Misericordia dominated Lebanon Valley with a decisive 5-0 victory at Mangelsdorf Field. Esabella Mendola and Olivia Maniskas each scored two goals, contributing to another shutout for the team. Kim Ruby added a fifth goal, ensuring Misericordia finished the regular season undefeated, securing the No. 1 seed in the upcoming MAC Freedom playoffs.

In field hockey, the Cougars also excelled, defeating Delaware Valley 4-0. Madison Lasinski led the team with two goals, supported by goals from Madison Blauch and Ashley Pitz. Goalkeeper Sarah Bogina made two saves to maintain the shutout.

The men’s hockey team faced a tougher challenge, falling 1-5 to Trine University at the SUNY-Canton Tournament. Samuel Libetti scored the only goal for Misericordia, assisted by Jaron Ketterman and Corbin Scheibel.

Challenges for Other Teams

Meanwhile, the women’s volleyball team encountered difficulties, losing two matches in a single day. In the first match against RIT, King’s University led at one point but ultimately fell in a five-set thriller. Lindsay Arezina recorded ten kills, and Ariela Towsey contributed with 21 assists. The team faced another setback against Vassar College, losing in straight sets.

The wrestling squad from Wilkes University opened its season with a fifth-place finish at the Ned McGinley Invitational, scoring 95.5 points. Ryan Santiago and Jaryn Hartranft both claimed first-place finishes in their weight classes, showcasing their talent early in the season.

In women’s hockey, King’s University struggled again, dropping to an 0-2 record after a 1-5 loss to Buffalo State. Abby Barlocker scored the team’s only goal, highlighting the challenges they face as the season progresses.

As the winter sports season unfolds and the playoffs approach, teams across the region will be looking to build on their successes and learn from their setbacks.