NEWARK, NJ—The NJIT men's and women's cross country teams hosted the 11^th Annual Technology XC Highlander Challenge Saturday morning at Branch Brook Park.

The NJIT men defeated Saint Peter's (15-48) while on the women's side, the Highlanders and Peacocks finished with a tie (28-28).

Sophomore Blake Brancato was the top finisher for the Highlanders, completing the 8k course with a time of 25:47.85, while junior Maryam Haque led the way on the women's side, finishing the 5k course with a time of 20:18. Brancato placed first in the Division I results and fifth overall.

Following behind Brancato were: junior Kevin Ratigan at 26:50.15; sophomores Zakaria Fouad with a time of 27:34.65; and, Arthur Smith at 27:36.16, while juniors Michael Martins and Norman Hamilton rounded out the top 6 for the Highlanders against Division I competition.

Other Highlanders represented in the race were: Liam McSpiritt, Nathaniel Bailey II and Justin Newkirk.

On the women's side, following in behind Haque was senior Esther Alfaro with a time of 21:20.56, while Katy Nyby and Alexandra Arnold finished at 21:39.32 and 23:12.94, respectively.  Kayleigh Stark finished the course at 32:58.70.

NJIT will return to action on October 11 when the Highlanders compete at the CTC Championships in Philadelphia hosted by Philadelphia U.