BISMARCK, ND – Terez Wycklendt took center stage for the University of Mary at the season-opening Marauders Invitational. Racing on UMary's home course at McDowell Dam, the senior posted the top finish among NCAA Division II runners and led the Marauders to a second place.
 
Wycklendt, the top returning performer off a Marauders squad which posted back-to-back top-19 finishes at the NCAA Division II women's cross country national championships, put on a show in front of the home crowd. The native of New Berlin, WI, placed fourth overall after cruising through the 6000 meter course in 21:47.5. Wyklendt was the only non-NCAA Division I runner in the top nine of the 6-team meet.
 
Hannah Westin, who joined Wecklendt in running at the last two national championships, claimed 14^th place overall with a clocking of 22:57.5.
 
Rounding out the team scoring was Ellyn Engels (18^th place in 23:13.7), Holly Fromherz (19^th in 23:14.2) and Gianna Frasher (23:15.3).
 
"Our women showed a ton of potential today with a lot of personal bests this early in the season," said Marauders head coach Chris Lessard. "We've barely scratched the surface of what's to come."
 
NCAA Division I North Dakota State University claimed the team title with a team score of 17. UMary (58) was second, followed by Minot State University (88), Bismarck State College (106), Dickinson State University (123) and Trinity Bible College (184).
 
The Marauders next compete at the Roy Griak Invitational on September 19.
 
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