PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – After recording back-to-back fifth-place finishes at the SUNYAC Championships, the Plattsburgh State women's cross country team enters the 2026 season looking to take another step forward. The Cardinals will open the campaign on Saturday, Sept. 5, when they host the Cardinal Classic, their lone home meet of the season.

2025 CARDINAL SNAPSHOT:
SUNYAC Championships: 5th
NCAA Division III Mideast Region Championships: 14th

Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Nathan Petesch enters his second season leading the Cardinals and will look to continue building the program as Plattsburgh prepares for the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Championships on Saturday, Oct. 31, before competing at the NCAA Division III Mideast Region Championships on Saturday, Nov. 14.

The Cardinals concluded the 2025 campaign with a 14th-place finish at the NCAA Division III Mideast Region Championships after earning their second consecutive fifth-place finish at the SUNYAC Championships. Plattsburgh closed the season with a pair of runners in the top 20 at the conference meet, highlighting the team's continued growth.

At the conclusion of the season, now-graduate Marissa Colvin earned All-SUNYAC Third Team honors after leading the Cardinals with a 14th-place finish at the SUNYAC Championships, while senior Grace Estus (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa) just missed all-conference recognition with a 17th-place finish.

Coach's Insights:
"The women's team dynamic is in a really good spot," said Petesch. "The returners are stronger than a year ago, and the newcomers have stepped right in and gone to work. Every day they're bringing great positive energy and encouragement to practice, and you can feel the enthusiasm."

Player's Insights:
"I am very grateful to be part of such a positive, uplifting, and motivating team that is determined to put in the work every day," said Isabelle Cunningham. "I am excited to see the accomplishments yet to come, especially for our newcomers. They are a dedicated group of people, and it's been such a joy getting to know them these last couple of weeks. I have a good feeling about this season. Roll cards!"

Team Outlook:
Plattsburgh returns a strong veteran core that consistently led the Cardinals' scoring lineup last season. That experience, paired with a talented group of young runners competing to break into the Cardinals' scoring five, gives Plattsburgh added depth through its sixth and seventh runners, whose ability to displace opposing scorers could prove pivotal at the SUNYAC Championships.

The Cardinals' 2026 roster features 10 runners, including six returners from last season's squad. The group is highlighted by the consistency of Estus and the emergence of junior Ellie LeRoy (Malone, N.Y./Franklin Academy), who enjoyed a breakout campaign in her first season with Plattsburgh. The Cardinals also add four newcomers, providing additional depth and competition throughout the lineup.

Inside the Nest:
The Cardinals return a strong presence at the front of the lineup with Estus, who consistently finished among Plattsburgh's top two runners across six races last season. She also turned in a standout performance during the campaign, earning her first collegiate race victory on her home course of Rugar Woods at the SUNYAC Preview.

Other contributors to the scoring lineup at various points throughout the season included LeRoy, senior Lillian Moran (Albany, N.Y./Colonie Central) and junior Ella Stuttard (Oriskany Falls, N.Y./Waterville), giving the Cardinals additional experience to build upon heading into 2026.

Also returning are juniors Isabelle Cunningham (Bethlehem, N.Y./Bethlehem) and Lexie Rostak (Plattsburgh, N.Y./Beekmantown), who will look to challenge for spots within the Cardinals' scoring lineup while continuing to push the team's top runners. Their ability to move up the lineup and factor into the top seven could give Plattsburgh additional scoring options throughout the season.

New to the Cardinals' roster are first-years Avery Crain (Hagaman, N.Y./Amsterdam), Saige Hayden (Brewerton, N.Y./Central Square), Nora Mesec (Morrisonville, N.Y./Saranac), and Gracen Pandolph (Peru, N.Y./Peru), who bring fresh talent to the team and will look to challenge for spots within the top seven.