FLORENCE, ALA. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's and women's cross-country teams put together outstanding performances in their first races against Division I opponents. The women took 12^th overall out of 39 teams with a total time of 1:31:27 for a score of 407 while the men took 18^th out of 37 teams with a time of 2:06:42 with a score of 456.

"Again, a strong group effort on the women's side," praised Head Coach Jake Krolick. "Letizia Martinelli ran with the top girls for half the race and we managed to get a glimpse of what the future looks like in due time."
 
In the women's race, Letizia Martinelli earned a top 25 finish with a time of 17:19:7. The Switzerland native showed a lot of potential in her first run of the season. Freshman Kira Ribbink also shined in her first race as a Royal placing in the top 100 with a time of 18:26:8. Ribbink and Sarah Watts each posted personal bests at the 5k distance. "Their work over the summer is really paying off.
 
Katharina Krosta, Hannah Moloney, and Madison Webster each finished top 150 out of 390 racers and continue to improve. "In knowing that we will soon be adding Franca Henseleit and Natalia Hidalgo Martinez is very encouraging when examining the scores."
 
On the men's side, Mitch Cox put together another remarkable run. After a second-place finish at the Fleet Feet Invite at Catawba on Sept. 3, the graduate student placed 35^th with a time of 24:25:3. "Mitch got another confidence boost racing up front and faster than he ever has over the 8k distance and today was another good step forward."

"We looked much better as a group today on the men's side," explained Coach Krolick. "Ethan Davis and Tom Heal are progressing really well and I was very happy with how they raced today."
 
Queens had four runners finish in the top 150, including Tom Heal, Ethan Davis, Samuel Balboa, and Tristen Jones. Heal, Davis, and Balboa were coming off a top 30 finish at Catawba. Coach Krolick is excited to add Mat Boutte back in October as he can be a top 15 racer and help the team further.
 
In both events, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia Tech took the top three spots.
 
Queens will return to action on Friday, Sept. 23 when they host the Queen City Invite at 3:30 p.m. from McAlpine Creek Park.