Bethany, W.Va. – The West Liberty University women's cross country team turned in a strong showing at the Bethany Invitational on Saturday morning, placing third in the team standings against a deep regional field.

The Hilltoppers totaled 66 points with a 25:01 average team time, finishing behind overall winner Franciscan (23 points) and runner-up Saint Vincent (41 points).

Junior Lacey Dimit led the way for West Liberty, clocking a 6K time of 24:13.2 to finish sixth overall in the field of more than 100 runners. Freshman Gretchen House impressed in her collegiate debut with a 24:57.1 (10th place), while classmates Lexi Wynn (14th, 25:12.2) and Naomi Young (15th, 25:12.8) packed up closely behind her.

Rounding out the Hilltoppers' top five was freshman Katie Rutherford, who crossed in 25:33.8 for 21st place. Senior Ally Hicks (26:38.4, 23rd) and freshman Kenzie Upole (26:56.0, 24th) added depth to the lineup.

West Liberty's spread of just over 1:20 among its scoring runners helped secure the third-place finish, as the Hilltoppers outpaced Lawrence Tech (4th, 118) and Waynesburg (5th, 121).

In the dual meet standings, Franciscan went a perfect 4-0, Saint Vincent finished 3-1, West Liberty was 2-2, Waynesburg went 1-3, and Lawrence Tech finished 0-4.

The Black and Gold will return to action on October 4th at the Louisville Invitational.