Women win third straight event, Mustang men are runner-up at Viking Invite

The Mount Mercy women's cross country team made it 3-for-3 this season, winning the the Viking Invite on Saturday at the DMACC Cross Country Course in Ankeny. The Mustang men, also going for their third consecutive team title, were second only to host Grand View.

Deanna Newhouse led the way again for Mount Mercy, placing second in the women's 5K race with a time of 19:31. J'Lyn Knutson was also a top-10 finisher, coming in eighth in 19:51. Jessa Day (16th/20:33), Ruth Jennings (19th/20:58), Laura Bishop (20th/21:06), Abby Rinderknecht (21st/21:08), and Ruth Cobieya (28th/21:42) completed the Mustangs' top seven.

Morgan Lawson won the women's race in 18:13, leading Grand View to a runner-up finish. Mount Mercy edged the host Vikings, 50-55. Baker (88), Southeastern C.C. (103), and DMACC (116) comprised the top five.

"Our women got the job done again today," said Head Coach Tad Hulst. "It wasn't our best day, but great teams find a way to be successful even when they're not at their best, and that's what they did today. This group is special in the way they fight for each other and support each other."

The Mustang men had six runners in the top 20, led by Ryan Mitchell for the third-straight race. He placed 10th while crossing the finish line in 26:54. Then it was Lukas Lamparek (12th/27:04), Ryan Clancy (13th/27:05), Oscar Lopez (14th/27:06), Sergio Lizarraga (15th/27:08), Brady Cortez (19th/27:22), and Noah Cokel (38th/28:36) rounding out Mount Mercy's top seven.

With two of the top three finishers, Grand View cruised to the team championship with 21 points. Mount Mercy (59) was next, followed by Baker (137), Coe (140), and St. Ambrose (143).

"The men ran lights out. A :14 spread from our 1-5 is incredible," Hulst said. "Today was a huge step. We had 15 guys race, with 12 coming away with personal bests and three running season bests. Our veterans are doing a great job leading and our freshmen are showing they're quick learners and fearless."

In two weeks, the Mustangs host the Seminole Valley Stampede on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 9:45 am at Seminole Valley Park.