CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Queens University of Charlotte cross country teams represented well in the Queen City Invite as the men and women both posted top 10 finishes, including a first place finish from Letizia Martinelli in the 5k race.
 
"We are really placing focus on the Royals Challenge in two weeks, but it was great to see how some of our runners ran towards the front of the race." stated the Director of Cross Country Jake Krolick.
 
The women's open race saw the Royals place an average time of 00:20:51:22 and had two in the top 15. Sophomore Chloe Widmann placed seventh and sophomore Evie Wild placed 14^th.
 
The men's open race was a career best for junior Lance Sotelo as he placed second in the race with a chip time of 00:25:26. The team finished top among non-scoring teams with an average time of 00:28:46:86.
 
The women's team saved the best for last in the women's invitational as freshman Letizia Martinelli was the top finisher in the race with a chip time of 00:17:19. Queens also finished in the top spot among non-scoring teams with an average time of 00:18:32:92.
 
"Letizia Martinelli, Natalie Bash, & Kira Ribbink demonstrated consistent results from last week to this week and the effort seemed much more controlled this week. We are moving in the right direction." said Coach Krolick
 
The women also had runners who placed higher than Milligan University, who is the No. 1 team in NAIA.
 
Queens will be back at McAlpine Park on Friday, October 7^th when they will host the Royals Challenge, which will include 30 D1 programs.