(Charlotte, MI) - The Women's Cross Country team opened their 2023 season at the Comet Open hosted by Olivet University in Charlotte, MI on Friday, September 1. The team ended up finishing 8 overall with a team score of 152 points. 

The Cardinals had 7 freshmen make their collegiate debut in the race, including 4 of which were the first 4 finishers. Freshman Gabriella Reinbold (Caro, MI) led the team with a 36th place finish with a time of 21:33, followed by Freshman Macee Ripke (Napoleon, OH) in 48th place, in a time of 22:03. They were followed by Freshman Michaela Kurth (Ypsilanti, MI) in 22:32 for 60th place and Rachael Byers in 72nd place with a time of 23:27. Sophomore Amanda Fogo (Fowlerville, MI) was the first returner to finish in 74th place with a time of 23:29. Freshman Emma Mckinley (Gaylord, MI) was the sixth Cardinal to cross the line in 23:52, then it was Sophomore Alison Doerr (Grand Haven, MI) in 24:14 to round out the top 7 finishers. To round out the team, Senior Mary Salem (Troy, MI) finished in 24:31; Freshman Grace Finley (Monroe, MI) finished in 24:34 and Freshman Elizabeth Hines finished in 26:36. 

The team will have some time to rest and continue to improve before competing at their home meet on Friday, September 15. The women will make the change from the 5k distance to a 6k for the Cardinal Invite.