The Briar Cliff cross country teams began their season at the 12th Annual Augustana Twilight meet Friday in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The event was held by Augustana University at Yankton Trail Park featuring teams from the NCAA and the NAIA.

Lexi Weber finished with a time of 22:51.71 placing 273rd out of 357 runners. Maria Russell was next to finish with a time of 23:43.0, while Pluma Pross finished with her time of 25:03.98.  

Rylee Antonino marked 25:29.26, and Jalen Pike finished with a time of 26:38.53.  

"Our girls got out very aggressive, which is a great sign, but we just need to learn to hold the reins a little early on," said head coach Scott Barnes. "Lexi lead us and had a solid first race along with Maria."

Juan Celio kept the pace for the men with a time of 23:18.88 and placed 261 out of 358 runners. Kenny Nolan ran a 23:53.89, while Raoul Ramos was close to Nolan, as he finished his race in 24:17.76.  

"Good first race for the guys. Juan and Kenny both had personal bests and we had a couple freshmen that had a good first race," said Barnes. "We are looking forward to our next race at Dordt next week!"

Connor Antonino's time was 27:05.46 with Caleb Sassman following close behind at 27:23.76. Moises Lupercio clocked a time of 28:14.80 placing 350th. 

The Chargers next meet is at 10 a.m. next Saturday at the Sunflower Open in Sioux Center, Iowa. The meet is hosted by Dordt University.

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