Fighting Bee titles go to Mustangs

BETTENDORF, Iowa -- For the second time in as many weeks, the Mount Mercy men's and women's cross country teams swept the team championships at the Fighting Bee Invitational on Saturday at Crow Creek Park.

The Mustangs had the top four runners and five of the top 10 in the women's 5K race. Deanna Newhouse crossed the finish line in 19:15 to claim the individual title. Teammates J'Lyn Knutson (20:19), Jessa Day (20:39), and Ruth Jennings (20:51) were right behind her. Abby Rinderknecht (21:24) finished eighth. Mount Mercy's top seven was rounded out by Ariana Lopez (12th/21:59) and Laura Bishop (13th/22:06).

Mount Mercy ran away with the team championship, totaling just 17 points compared to 78 for runner-up St. Ambrose. William Penn (94) was third, Carl Sandburg (105) fourth, Emmaus Bible (108) fifth, and Iowa Wesleyan (114) sixth.

Ryan Mitchell's runner-up finish in the 8K sparked the Mustang men. Mitchell finished in 27:02, roughly 40 seconds back of winner Emmanuel Kiprop (26:20) of Carl Sandburg. He was joined in the top 10 by Oscar Lopez (6th/27:43) and Lukas Lamparek (8th/27:57). Mount Mercy's top seven also included Sergio Lizarraga (12th/28:18), Brady Cortez (15th/28:40), Noah Cokel (20th/29:32), and Kaidyn Mickels (28th/30:26).

The team standings shaped up nicely for the Mustangs, who earned the top spot with 43 points. Mount Mercy was followed by St. Ambrose (55), William Penn (70), Carl Sandburg (90), Clarke (98), Iowa Wesleyan (178), and Scott C.C. (180).

The Grand View Invitational is up next for Mount Mercy. The Mustangs travel to Des Moines for the event on Saturday, Sept. 24.