BGSU runner Kailee Perry (Mallory Hiser/BGSU Athletics)
The Bowling Green State University men’s and women’s cross country teams opened their respective seasons at the Akron-hosted Tommy Evans XC Invitational on a good note Friday evening.
BGSU runner Kailee Perry won the women’s event, while Kylee Cubbison finished second to pace the Falcons who won the women’s team event.
Heriberto Alvarez was the Falcons top finisher in the men’s race at 19:20.74 in 34th place. The event was run at the Silver Creek Metro Park.
“It was a very positive start for the XC squad today and it was highlighted by the women’s team victory and Kailee winning individually,” BGSU coach Lou Snellling said.
“On the guy’s side, Herbie ran aggressively to lead that group. We still have a lot of work to do, given it is September 1, that makes sense.
“I am looking forward to getting back to our home course. The Mel Brodt will be extremely competitive, featuring many of the best teams in the conference and region.”
The women’s race featured 189 athletes from 16 schools. The Falcons tallied 46 points to win the event. Ohio was second with 65 points and host Akron finished third with 116 points.
In individual performances, Perry clocked in at 17:50.34 and Cubbison finished at 18:04.78 to pace all runners. Regina Rose finished No. 10 at 18:31.45, Katerina Shuble (18:47.58), Elise Johnson (18:50.38) and Emma Hellwege (18:50.71) finished No. 17-19.
Lillian Katsaras (19:03.38) came in No. 32, while Kristin Groppe (19:04.85) and Raegan Burkey (19:05.22) came in No. 34 and No. 35. Alyssa Ellerbrock (19:41.95) and Izzy Best (19:52.10) round out BGSU’s efforts at No. 62 and No. 72, respectively.
The men’s 5K saw 17 teams and 271 athletes compete. Bowling Green placed 11th out of 17 teams.
Kent State took home top honors with 71 points. Host Akron finished second with 74 points and Walsh took home third with 94 points. Bowling Green finished with 255 points.
Alvarez finished at 19:20.74 to lead the Falcons, Micah Bentley (19:37.66) and Hunter Sidle (19:39.46) finished No. 57 and No. 58, and Michael Nowinski (19:41.62) came in at No. 60.
Alexander Haffa (19:47.36) finished No. 65, Anthony Sweet (19:47.56) finished No. 68, Christian Gagliardi (19:53.73) finished No. 77, Bryce Weber (20:12.79) came in at No. 115 and Luke Woolard (20:17.25) finished No. 126. Michael Worboy (21:02.21) rounds out the BGSU men’s team at No. 175.
The Falcons will compete in their first home meet of the season when they host the Mel Brodt Collegiate Open on Friday, Sept. 8 at the Mel Brodt Cross Country Course. The meet will open with the men’s 8K at 5:30 p.m., followed by the women’s 6K at 6:05 p.m.
