McHugh and LaCroix Finish First in Dill Family Invitational

Friday, October 2

Greenville, N.C.

East Carolina University

Dill Family Invitational

McHugh and LaCroix Finish First in Dill Family Invitational

October 02, 2026 | Cross Country

GREENVILLE, N.C. — The East Carolina cross country hosted its annual Dill Family F Invitational Friday morning at Lake Kristi, with the Pirate women claiming the team title and the men finishing third.

The ECU women posted a team score of 35 points to finish first among five teams, ahead of UNCW (57), Campbell (58), Mount Olive (68) and Barton (132). The Pirates combined for a team time of 1:56:43 and placed five runners among the top 17 finishers.

Freshman Kiera McHugh led the way for the Pirates, winning her first individual 6K title with a time of 22:30.6. McHugh was followed closely by Ava Elliott, who finished second at 22:38.7. Bella Wood added a fourth-place finish in 22:51.8. At the same time, Eliza Greengrass placed 11th in 23:55.0. Summer Wilson rounded out ECU's scoring five with a 17th-place finish in 24:47.8.

The Pirate men finished third in the team standings with 68 points, behind UNCW (35) and Campbell (49). ECU recorded a combined team time of 2:17:29.

Judah Lacroix paced the Pirates, capturing his first individual 8K title with a career best time of 25:20.6. Will Palopoli followed in sixth place at 26:34.0. At the same time, Ethan Welsh finished 17th in 28:01.0. Aidan Herman placed 22nd in 28:35.3. Wyatt Pearce rounded out ECU's scoring five in 25th at 28:59.0. Corbin Weeks finished 33rd in 32:09.6.

The Dill Family Invitational marked a strong showing for the Pirate women, who claimed the team championship while placing two runners atop the individual standings.