FREDONIA, N.Y. -- The Fredonia Blue Devil men's and women's cross country teams will compete in the SUNYAC Championship Meet at Brockport on Saturday.

The men's 8K race will begin at 11 a.m. and the 6K women's race will follow at noon.

Head coach Tom Wilson expects a strong showing from his men's team, currently ranked No. 9 in the Atlantic Region.

The Devils expect to vie for the top two spots in what is a very competitive SUNYAC this season. Three other SUNYAC teams showed up in the most recent Atlantic Regional Rankings -- Geneseo (No. 1), Oneonta (No. 4) and Cortland (No. 5). However, Wilson feels if the team runs to its ability, they can equal or top last year's third-place finish.

"The strength is our front runners. The further up our top guys finish… the better our chances," Wilson said. He also indicated that a strong showing is needed by the whole squad. "Our four, five and six are running strong, and they need to turn in a season-best" if the team hopes to improve upon last year.

The team is lead by its top two runners in seniors Zakk Hess (Clyde, N.Y. / North Rose-Wolcott) and Chris Shartrand (Ballston Lake, N.Y. / Shenendehowa). Hess has been the top runner all season, and was the top Blue Devil finisher in last year's SUNYAC meet, finishing 10th overall.

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Based on the results so far this season, the women are looking to finish in the top half of the nine-team SUNYAC field. Their times have been just off those of Brockport, so one goal is to finish ahead of Golden Eagles.

"(Several of our runners) will need a season-best if we are to pursue Brockport," Wilson said. "They are the next highest seed ahead of us. With not a lot of experience, finishing fifth in a rebuilding year isn't too bad."

Junior Lauren Kotas (Lancaster, N.Y./Lancaster) has been the top runner, followed by sophomores Bonnie Binggeli (Walworth, N.Y./Gananda), sophomore Kara Hall (Bergen, N.Y./Byron-Bergen), sophomore Alyssa Stroud (Allegany, N.Y./Allegany-Limestone), and freshman Maddie Courtney (Getzville, N.Y./Williamsville South).