WEST SALEM, Wis. -- The Minnesota State cross country teams had their best performance of the season as the men's team took first while the women's team took third in the Warrior Invitational hosted by Winona State, highlighted by Jack Kendall's first place finish

The men's 8K began around 3 p.m. and the Mavericks dominated en route to finishing first. Kendall led the charge with his best showing of the year, finishing first out of all eligible runners with a time of 25:45.8. Minnesota's Cameron Stocke finished just ahead of Kendall, but Minnesota was not an official participant. This marks the first top finish of the sophomore's career, and his third best time in 8K's this season. Luis Pfister continued his incredible season finishing fourth with a time of 25:52.9. Freshman Alex Morrison finished seventh with a time of 26:00.5 and Erek Ross finished tenth with a time of 26:09.4. 

Dominic Ripperda finished thirteenth to round out the Mavericks top five finishers. MSU finishes first overall out of seven teams in their last event before the NSIC Championships. The Mavericks finished with 24 points while Wisconsin Parkside came in second with 64 points.  

The women's 6K began at 2 p.m. and the Mavericks had another solid team performance finishing third overall. Sophie Baker continues to be the strongest performer; she finished third with a time of 21:55.3. She has been the top finisher for the team in every event this season. Mileena Sullivan also had a strong finish, coming fifth with a time of 22:14.1. 

Freshman Hayden Anderson came in 11th with a time of 23:07.5, Tara Hertling came in 14th with a time of 23:17.3 and Hannah Huza followed with a 15th place finish and a time of 23:19.6 to round out the top five Maverick finishers. Freshmen Ainsleigh Lehmann and Emma Stiele both finished inside the top 50 (46th and 49th) on the day. MSU came in third overall and second out of all DII teams, behind only Winona State. The Mavericks recorded 48 points, just 8 behind first and 2 behind second place Minnesota. 

Overall, on the day, the Mavericks had their best showing of the season as they prepare to compete in the NSIC Championships on Nov. 7 at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, S.D.