MANSFIELD, Conn. – Freshman Karina Johnson (East Hartford) continued her impressive running during her first intercollegiate season, racing to a second-place finish in a field of 24 Saturday morning at a women's cross country tri-meet with Bryant University and Rhode Island College at Mansfield Hollow State Park.

Johnson, which has not been challenged for the top spot on the squad through the first four races this year, was timed in 20:39 over a new 5,000 meter course. Johnson trailed only Division II Bryant senior Nicole Radzik (19:45) at the finish and was 12 seconds ahead of Bryant freshman Jennifer Denise.

Bryant runners claimed four of the top six spots to win the meet with 25 points. Rhode Island College was second with 42 points, 17 points less than Eastern’s 59-point total.

The home meet is the only scheduled one for Eastern, which competes in the Little East Conference/New England Alliance Championship Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Johnson will attempt to become the first Eastern female to achieve all-conference honors (top 7) since 1998.