Simon Fraser University showed the strength of itsrunning program against top NCAA Division I schools at the annual Sundodger Invitational cross-country meet in Seattle.
Senior Jessica Smith finished in 11th place in the women's six-kilometre race, clocking a time of 21:42.49.
Clan teammates Lindsey Butterworth placed 20th in a time of 22:01.58, while Michaela Kane and Sarah Sawatzky both finished in the top 30 to help SFU place fourth overall, including a better finish than conference rival Western Oregon.
Keir Forester placed 31st on the men's side, while B.J. Cunliffe and Anton Humeniak finished in 33rd and 36th place, respectively, for the Clan.
"For the first time ever, we put ourselves in the invitational section, which is all NCAA Div. I schools. I was really happy with Jessica Smith and her 11th-place finish amongst some elite company in the NCAA," said Clan head coach Brit Townsend in a school press release. "This meet was a really good start for us. We have a young team on the men's side and for our freshmen to finish so high was really good."
SFU will compete at the Stanford Invitational in California next weekend.
