MISSOULA, Mont. – The Montana Tech Women's Cross Country team finished in second place at the Montana Open hosted by NCAA Division I University of Montana and
Becca Richtman took the top spot.
The Oredigger men's team finished in fifth place and were third among the Frontier Conference schools.
Richtman, who bested all of the NCAA Division I and II runners from Montana, Montana State, and MSU-Billings, finished with a time of 16:49.90. The senior runner finished 24 seconds ahead of the second place runner.
Montana State won the race with a score of 41. The Orediggers were the top Frontier Conference school in the field finishing with a score of 72. Carroll College took third place with an 86, followed by the Grizzlies of Montana with 99. This was the first time in program history that the Oredigger women beat Carroll and Montana.
Hailey Nielson was in the second spot for the Orediggers finishing in 10
th overall with a time of 17:55.50.
Averi Parker took 13
th with a time of 17:59.40; Lexi Ladoux took 20
th with a time of 18:50.30; and
Carlin Manning finished in 28
th with a time of 19:15.40.
"This was an outstanding performance from our women's team, truly a historic moment for us. They really showed what they are capable of beating all of our conference teams and the Griz," said Head Coach
Zach Kughn. "I really think every woman we had out there had their best day and I can't wait to see what they can do the rest of the season."
The University of Montana took the top spot in the men's race with 30 points. Carroll College was the top Frontier Conference team finishing in second with 76 points. MSU-Billings took third with 77, Rocky Mountain in fourth with 103, and Montana Tech in fifth with 115.
River Sheppard took the top spot for the Orediggers finishing in 12
th place with a time of 21:55.10.
Justin Morgan took 22
nd with a time of 22:37.50;
Connor Aikins was in 23
rd with a time of 22:44:80;
Corbin Johnson was in 27
th with a time of 23:13.50; and
Trystan Brewer took 31
st with a time of 23:32.60.
"Not as exciting of a day on the men's side for us but they still battled well against DI and DII schools as well as our whole conference. We know as a combined program we are heading in the right direction and we know what we have to do to reach our end of season goals."
