FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Missouri State cross country team came out strong at the Chile Pepper Festival Saturday morning. The squad earned runner up status among division I teams in the five-kilometer race.

"Today was by far our best team effort in my time at Missouri State," head cross country coach Jordan Fife said. "It was great seeing the team get out in great position and holding on strong all the way to the end. The confidence throughout the team is contagious and that's a credit to the mindset and preparation."

11 of the Bears 12 runners set personal bests and four finished in the top 25 of division I runners.

Senior Jessica Allen led the Bears by running a 17:11.8 5K just off her personal best that she set in Joplin two weeks ago. Allen finished third in division 1 and seventh overall with a time that marks the third fastest 5K in school history.

"Jessi had another solid performance after battling some sickness this week," Fife said. "I was proud of her effort while not at full strength."

In her third cross country race as a Bear red shirt freshman Grace Breiten finished in 10^th place and ran a new personal best 17:41.0.

"Grace Breiten had a big breakthrough that we felt was coming and puts her in great position as we head down the stretch toward conference," Fife said.

Also finishing in the top 25 and earning personal bests are Jordyn Capra and Erica Wollmering. Carpra ran an 18:07.2 race while Wollmering paced an 18:22.2 5K.

"Jordyn Capra ran a strong third for us and ran another huge personal best," Fife said. "Up and down the roster there were numerous big breakthroughs and that's what we need to keep this program moving forward."

The Bears will have two weeks to prepare for their final regular season race when they head to the Bradley Pink Classic in Peoria, Ill. on Oct. 13.

Missouri State Individual Finishers (Division I)
3. Jessica Allen – 17:11.8
10. Grace Breiten – 17:41.0
16. Jordyn Capra – 18:07.2
25. Erica Wollmering – 18:22.2
28. Paityn Howat – 18:27.9
47. Madeline Saville – 18:57.4
50. Danielle Bohannon – 19:02.5
53. Mercedes Robinson – 19:03.4
60. Renae Buschling – 19:15.5
62. Lindsey Biesemeyer – 19:25.1
75. Caroline Duboeuf – 19:50.2
81. Kayla Fallis – 20:26.9

Team Scores
1. Arkansas – 18
2. Missouri State – 80
3. Texas Tech – 92
4. Texas State – 125
5. UT- Arlington – 134
6. UIW – 140
7. Central Arkansas – 175
8. UA-Little Rock – 189
9. Texas Rio Grande V – 225
10. LSU – Shreveport – 324

Follow the Bears
For more information on the Missouri State cross country team, visit MissouriStateBears.com or visit the team Twitter @MSUBearsTrackXC and Facebook.