CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Missouri State cross country left no doubt at the Redhawks Invitational on Friday night, running away with the team title behind a commanding performance that saw the Bears score just 29 points, led by Madilyn Moore's first-place finish.

"It was such a great effort from the team. The goal was to control the race from the beginning and our group executed so well," head coach Jordan Fife said.

Moore surged to the front late and delivered a gutsy effort, coming from behind in the final lap to claim the individual crown with a time of 17:58.60. Ella Rew finished close behind in third place with a time of 18:02.88, while Amy Gotfredson secured fourth in 18:08.20, giving Missouri State three top-five finishers.

The Bears' depth sealed the victory, as Elsa Henry finished ninth with a time of 18:18.75 and Addysen Clark claimed 12th in 18:28.54. Missouri State's strong start proved too much for the rest of the field, as the Bears controlled the race from start to finish and secured a decisive team win.

"Being down two of our top runners, we still wanted to make a statement. We have a really deep group, and it showed tonight," Fife added. "Madilyn ran a gutsy last lap of the course to come from behind and take the win. It was a great start to the season for our program!"

Missouri State returns home on Saturday, Sept. 13, when the Bears co-host the Queen City Twilight Classic with Drury and Evangel at Allison Sports Town in Springfield.  
Individual Results
1. Madilyn Moore – 17:58.60
3. Ella Rew – 18:02.88
4. Amy Gotfredson – 18:08.20
9. Elsa Henry – 18:18.75
12. Addysen Clark – 18:28.54
18. Adrien Martens – 18:39.08
20. Emily Nuttall – 18:41.10
25. Kaitlyn Hatley – 18:48.98
26. Lena Singleton – 18:49.46
29. Riley Bryan – 18:54.61
31. Faith Fotiades  – 18:57.91
35. Emilee Brusselers – 19:07.85
41. Britta Foust – 19:15.50
43. Grace Buschling – 19:23.94
 
Team Results
1. Missouri State - 29
2. Murray State – 44
3. Eastern Illinois - 64
4. SEMO - 105
5. UT Martin - 150
6. SIUE - 152
7. Missouri Baptist – 202
8. Lindenwood - 224
9. Kaskaskia College – 301
10. UHSP - 313