Grand Rapids, Michigan - The women's cross country team opened their season with a very good showing at the Knight/Raider Invitational. The Saints ventured to the Gainey Athletic Facility and raced to a third place team finish. Aquinas, who currently sits at #24 in the NAIA national rankings, found themselves trailing only Calvin University and Kalamazoo College in the final results.

Madison Rempalski set the tone for the Saints by finishing 6th overall in a time of 19:01.  The trio of Amber Koole (19:34), Mallory Bowker (19:38) and Lauren Wooer (19:39) followed Madi through the finish chute as they placed 10th, 11th and 14th respectively.  The other scoring position was then recorded by Cadence Schultz, who crossed the line in 20:07 to finish in 19th place.

Head Coach Mike Wojciakowski commented, "I was really hoping to see this type of performance for the women to start the season. We are light years ahead of last year and I love the fact that this group is racing with so much more confidence. I'm eager to see what lies ahead for this group."

Also contributing to Aquinas' top seven were Claire Walton who finished 23rd in a time of 20:17 and Ella Koons (37th place), who crossed the line 20:37.

A total of 108 individuals competed for 14 different programs.

The Saints will return to action on September 27th as they travel to Columbia, Missouri to compete in the Gans Creek Classic. The meet will be contested at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course with the women starting at 11:15am.