The Blackburn College women’s cross country team opened their season in Elsah, Illinois, at the Principia Season Opener on Friday, September 1. The team was one of four that competed in the 4k race on a mild afternoon at the North Farm Cross Country Facility. Blackburn was one of the two SLIAC teams in the meet and finished in fourth place behind the host, third-place, Principia.

Team captain and Junior, Olivia Leemon, was the top finisher for Blackburn taking 15th place with a time of 21:39 (running at 8:42 mile pace). Freshman, Kailynn Kreup, was the second Blackburn finisher at 26:08 (10:31 mile pace). Close behind were newcomers Freshman Ashanti Jones (28:40) and Freshman Gracie Jent (28:41). Senior Elizabeth Morris rounded out the scoring for the Beavers, finishing at 29:11. Returner Sarah Olson and Freshman Ella Wilson also competed in the race.

The Women’s Cross Country team is set for their next meet today, Friday, September 8, at Springfield, Illinois, at the 8th Annual Prairie Star Invitational.