UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich - The Madonna University cross country teams opened their season on Friday afternoon at The Races Invitational hosted by Saginaw Valley State University.

The Crusaders ran a dual scoring meet against the host Cardinals, who would win both the men's and women's side. The Madonna women's team scored 46 points, while the men posted 50 points.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

In the women's 5k, the Crusaders were led by Whitney Ricks in sixth place with a time of 21:53.3. Right behind her was Elizabeth Dancey in seventh in 21:57.6. Allison Stowe was next for Madonna in 10th place with a time of 22:42.5. Izzie Lashaway crossed the line in 13th place in 24:11.5, while Samantha Rousseau completed the scoring in 15th place with a time of 27:51.7. 

Madonna was led by Lucas Eccelton in the men's 6k race with a time of 20:37.2. He finished in 11th place. Right behind Eccelton in 12th was Cameron Kruse in 20:42.0. Ryan Nicholson was next to cross the line for the Crusaders in 16th place with a time of 20:59.4. In 17th place was Andrew Langkam in 21:09.7. Logan Evanchuk completed the scoring for the men in 22nd place with a time of 21:55.1. 

UP NEXT:

Madonna will compete in the Terracota Open on Friday, September 16 at 3:30 p.m. The meet is hosted by Lourdes University (Ohio) and will be contested at the Ottawa Park Golf Course.