WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's Austin O'Hare (Rushford, Minn.) and Danielle Franke (Mounds View, Minn.) made impressive statements in their first cross country meets of the season Saturday afternoon at the Saint Mary's Alumni Open.
 
Franke kicked off the day with a second-place finish in the women's race, while O'Hare duplicated that feat a short time later in the men's competition. Fueled by Franke's effort, the Saint Mary's women placed second overall, while Cardinal men rode O'Hare's showing to a third-place finish.
 
Franke toured the five-kilometer course in 22:40 to outdistance teammate Alyssa Thiel (Berlin, Wis.), who placed third in 23:19. Emily Ortiz (Albert Lea, Minn.) chipped in an 11^th-place time of 24:17, while Erika Thiel (Burr Ridge, Ill. / 25:06), Molly Sweet (Prescott, Wis. / 25:22), and Maddie Bollig (St. Croix Falls, Wis. / 28:04) rounded out the Cardinals' top six.
 
Luther took home the women's team title with 34 points—18 better than Saint Mary's—while Viterbo's Haley Swanson captured individual honors with a winning time of 22:21
 
O'Hare toured the four-mile men's course in 21:47 en route to his second-place showing. Brandon Krogman (Owatonna, Minn.) was the second Cardinal across the finish line, stopping the clock in 22:38 to place fourth overall. Ben Borash (Bowlus, Minn. / 23:33), Jordan Malikowski (Royalton, Minn., / 23:42), Tanner Moris (Crandon, Wis. / 23:52), Jonathon Meaden (Rosemount, Minn. / 24:13), and Isaiah Olsem (Fulda, Minn. / 24:31) rounded out Saint Mary's top seven.
 
Luther completed the team sweep, winning the men's event with 35 points to edge out Martin Luther. Martin Luther's Ben Bitter was the men's individual winner, posting a top time of 21:32.
 
The Cardinals are now off until Sept. 16, when they travel to Northfield, Minn., to take part in the St. Olaf Invitational.