(Ann Arbor, MI) - The Women's Cross-Country team hosted their annual Cardinals Invite on Friday, September 15. The team hosted Adrian College and Lourdes University for a three-team battle. The course proved to be a true challenge. The Cardinals fought hard to finish third with a total of 60 points, finishing just 15 points behind Lourdes. This was the team's first opportunity to run a 6,000-meter race this season.

The team had almost all of the team making their 6k debut on the meet, including the first five Cardinals to finish the race. Macee Ripke (Freshman; Napoleon, OH) led the way with a time of 28:13. Michaela Kurth (Freshman; Ypsilanti, MI) came across the line second for the team in a time of 29:09. Emma McKinley (Freshman; Gaylord, MI) ran strong to finish in 29:24. Amanda Fogo (Sophomore, Fowlerville, MI) and Rachael Byers (Freshman; Plymouth, MI) finished right behind each other in times of 30:02 and 30:09. Mary Salem (Senior; Troy, MI) was the only team member to have already ran a 6k. She finished a 5 straight Cardinal finish with a 17-place finish and a new personal record time of 30:11.

The Cardinals also had Alison Doerr (Sophomore; Grand Haven, MI) and Elissa Hines (Freshman; Ypsilanti, MI) make their collegiate 6k debut and rounded out the team for the day. Doerr finished in a time of 32:21 and Hines finished in a time of 33:51.

The team will be back in action next Friday, September 22 at Grand Woods Park for the Lansing Invitational hosted by Lansing Community College. The start time for the Women is scheduled for 12:30.