Syracuse cross country remains undefeated with strong performances at Penn State’s Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational 

By: Jack Knight | @Jack_On_Sports

Syracuse cross country dominated in its opening race just six days ago, but today was the Orange’s first true test of their 2026/27 season. SU excelled against Colgate and Binghamton, but now had to face seven other schools in University Park. 

The women’s race started the festivities at Penn State: Syracuse competed against PSU, Pittsburgh, Monmouth, Maryland, Bucknell, Buffalo, American University, and St. Joseph’s. The Nittany Lions came out of the gate hot, but the Orange prevailed. SU sophomore Keira Rogan (20:16.5) won the race, and Jayden Harberts (20:38.6) came in third to break up the Penn State homestand. 

Syracuse finished with 32 points, Penn State with 36. While PSU notched two runners in the top five and four in the top 10, a crucial first place finish from Rogan was the decider. The Nittany Lions’ first runner came in fourth, whereas the Orange were only tagged with a single point thanks to Rogers’ decisive victory. 

For a squad that was picked to finish 13th in the ACC’s Preseason Poll, the SU women are 2-0 and have picked up early-season momentum.

After the Syracuse women’s win, the men’s squad took the course for a 5.2-mile race. After notching a 15-point percent score at Colgate last weekend and being named the 13th best team in the nation, the ‘Cuse came to Penn State looking to prove its preseason marks against other power conference opponents. 

And the Orange did just that, notching another perfect 15-point performance. SU owned the entire top five and had all 11 of its runners finish inside of the top 20. While star junior Benne Anderson made his mark at third, it was sophomore Connell Alford who took home gold at Penn State. He finished just three seconds ahead of SU junior Connor Ackley, but over 10 minutes before the next opponent crossed. 

Last weekend the ‘Cuse showed off its depth. Today, it was a return to the veteran grit of its junior and senior leaders. The Orange’s upperclassmen filled in four of the top five spots, and quickly shook off the rust after not racing a week ago.

Syracuse has earned a week off after two races just six days apart. The Orange next head to New Jersey for the Princeton Invitational on Saturday, September 26. Make sure to follow my X account, @Jack_On_Sports, for coverage on everything SU cross country.