Scott BresslerThe third-ranked Washington University women’s cross country team finished atop 42 teams at the Roy Griak Cross Invitational at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Minneapolis, Minn. on Saturday Morning. The Wash. U. men placed sixth out of 34 squads.
Senior Kate Pentak led the Lady Bears with her seventh-place finish in a field of 567 runners. She completed the 6k-course in 22:56.9. Pentak was followed by senior Tricia Frisella, who finished 10th with her time of 23:05.1. Freshman Taryn Surtees finished third for the Bears with her 13th-place time of 23:15.7. Senior Lisa Sudmeier and sophomore Molly Schlamb rounded out the scorers for the Red and Green.
The women tallied 89 points to secure the victory, and were followed by University of Wisconsin-Platteville, which finished with 117 points. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire finished third with 128 points.
“Our top three really set a good tone for us,” said head coach Jeff Stiles in a press release following the meet. “It was a really good field and we looked very strong up front.”
The men’s squad totaled 216 points, which was good for a sixth-place finish. University of Wisconsin-La Cross finished first with its 53-point total, while UW-Platteville took second with 105 points. Iowa Central Community College rounded out the top three with 108 points.
Senior Jesse McDaniel paced the Bears with his time of 26:20, which was good for a tenth-place finish out of 367 competitors. Sophomore Alden Black finished second for the Bears and 27th overall with his time of 26:47. Sophomore Alex Bearden was close behind with his 50th-place finish, posting a time of 27:20. Sophomore Zach Griffen and senior Jeff Bayers also scored for Wash. U.
“It was great to see where we stack up against some good competition,” continued Stiles in the release. “Overall, it isn’t where we want to be in November, but I was really encouraged by everything.”
The teams get back on their feet on Oct. 13 when they travel to Oshkosh, Wis. to compete in the UW-Oshkosh Invitational.