MOORHEAD, MN - The University of Mary Women's Cross Country team had a fantastic start to their season at the MSU Moorhead 8th Annual Dragon Twilight Invitational. The Marauders raced to a dominant team victory with five of the top six finishers competing for UMary, leaving the competition behind and showing they mean business while posting a near-perfect team score.
 
When the dust settled on the 4000 meter run on the campus of host MSU Moorhead, UMary emerged as the champs with just 17 points, 56 points better than the second place finisher. With five of the top six finishers racing for the Marauders, UMary just missed recording a perfect score of 15.
 
All-American Alyssa Becker led the way, claiming first place overall with a time of 14:01.70 to win the race by over five seconds over teammate Andrijana Fundak. Kristine Kalthoff checked in third overall to give the Marauders the top three slots on the podium. Terez Wycklendt and Teresa Blote rounded out the team scoring as they placed fifth and sixth, respectively.
 
Marauders Cross Country Head Coach Chris Lessard was thrilled with the team's effort and teamwork.
 
"The ladies won big with a great team effort," said Lessard. "They showed patience and teamwork, making this season opener not only a great experience but a great opportunity to learn for the season ahead."
 
2023 Dragon Twilight Team Results
UMary - 17 pts
Minot State - 73 pts
MSU Moorhead - 81 pts
Bemidji State - 105 pts
Southwest Minnesota State - 148 pts
Dickinson St. - 183 pts
Concordia-Moorhead - 191 pts
Valley City State - 239 pts
Crown - 259 pts
Bethany Lutheran - 268 pts
Bismarck State - 291 pts
 
The UMARY squad also boasted some impressive individual performances. Here are the top seven runners for the Marauders:
 
Alyssa Becker - 14:01.70 (1st)
Andrijana Fundak - 14:07.30 (2nd)
Kristine Kalthoff - 14:16.20 (3rd)
Terez Wycklendt - 14:31.30 (5th)
Teresa Blote - 14:52.00 (6th)
Elizabeth Acheson - 15:00.90 (8th)
Hannah Westin - 15:11.00 (14th)
 
With such a promising start, the UMary Women's Cross Country team is set for an exciting season ahead. Their win at MSU Moorhead 8th Annual Dragon Twilight Invitational provides a hopeful start to high expectations.
 
Next up, the Marauders gear up for the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational in St. Paul, MN, on September 22.
 
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