SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Saint Mary's cross country teams competed at the highly anticipated Augustana Twilight meet, hosted by Augustana, South Dakota, on Friday night. The meet was held at night under lights, as it was pushed not till after 9:00 p.m.

The season-opening race provided the Cardinals with an opportunity to test themselves against a strong field and establish an early benchmark heading into the remainder of the season.

On the women's side, Mya Slavin led the way for the Cardinals, running 19:07.9 over 5,000 meters. Slavin's performance placed her 63rd overall in a highly competitive field.

Kaylie Betts followed in 20:56.9, while Addison Burckhardt clocked 20:58.6. Susan Bergeman finished in 21:47.7, followed by Izzy Dewey in 22:01.7.

Alyssa Kuffel posted a personal best of 23:40.4, earning a PB designation, while Lizzy Scheid crossed in 25:10.0. Katelyn Brown rounded out the women's competitors with a time of 26:25.0.

For the men, Isaiah Fitzgerald paced the Cardinals with an impressive 15:57.1, finishing 67th overall. Fitzgerald also recorded a personal best in the season opener.

Matthew Misko followed with a 16:59.8, also a personal best, while Ian Atherley ran 17:23.2 for another PB. Blake Tembreull crossed the line in 17:25.7, giving the Cardinals four runners under 17:30.

Yong Achuoth finished in 17:36.9, followed by Sam Grywacz in 17:45.7 and Thomas Halverson in 17:46.1. Liam Smith recorded a personal best of 17:57.7, while Andre Cortez (18:56.1), August Koessler (19:20.8), Eli Lilla (20:45.0) and Daniel Araoz (21:47.6) rounded out the men's field.

Looking Ahead

The Cardinals will compete in the University of Minnesota Roy Griak Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11:15 a.m. in Fort Snelling, Minn.