BETHANY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's cross country team opened its 2026 season Saturday with a fourth-place finish at the Bethany Invitational.

The Hilltoppers finished with 95 points in the women's 6K, trailing Saint Vincent (37), Clarion (44) and Washington & Jefferson (67). Waynesburg placed fifth with 123 points.

Senior Lacey Dimit led the way for West Liberty, placing seventh overall with a time of 24:52.0. Freshman Kaylee Onder followed in 15th at 25:35.7, while sophomore Naomi Young finished 18th in 25:53.1.

Sophomore Katie Rutherford crossed the finish line 25th overall in 27:03.1 to serve as the Hilltoppers' fourth scorer, with sophomore Kenzie Upole rounding out the scoring five in 30th place at 27:58.5.

Junior Emily Dunlevy finished 33rd in 28:39.7, while sophomore Makayla Carter placed 50th in 31:27.0.

Dimit's seventh-place finish was the Hilltoppers' best individual performance, while Onder and Young also finished inside the top 20.

The Bethany Invitational marked West Liberty's first competition of the season after its originally scheduled season opener was postponed due to weather.

The Hilltoppers will have nearly two weeks to prepare for their next competition, the Atlantic Region Preview Meet, scheduled for Sept. 25 at the Ivey Redmon Sports Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C. The meet will be hosted by Winston-Salem State University.


West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.