Sept. 5, 2014
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CHARLESTON, lll. - The Missouri State cross country team opened the season Friday night at the Walt Crawford Invitational. The Bears finished sixth in the first meet of the season under new head coach Jordan Fife.
MSU was led by Jessica Allen's 19:34.68, which placed her 17th overall in the field of 132 runners.
"Jessi ran really strong," said Fife. "Her workouts and summer mileage have shown she was capable of this type of effort. The rest of our pack probably went out a little too fast considering the heat and it being our first 5k of the season. Everyone was able to finish strong."
Cindy Forde (21:22.10) and Tenaly Smith (21:32.92) finished one after another, placing 62nd and 63rd respectively. Megan Nickles (21:56.23) also collected a top-70 finish, crossing the line 67th overall.
Hosts Eastern Illinois won the meet, with a total time of 1:33:50.85. Murray State, Southern Illinois, Evansville, IPFW, and Missouri State rounded out the team field.
Missouri State will compete next at the Saluki Invitational on Sept. 20. Race time is 10 a.m. in Carbondale, Ill.
