SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The men's and women's cross country teams started their seasons at the Springfield-Ill. Prairie Stars Invitational. The men's team placed fourth with a first-place finish from Gianni Estrada, and the women's team placed fifth with Gretchen Carie as their top finisher. 

How it Happened:

Men's 7K

Estrada ran a 21:47.85 to earn first place, while Joe Gomez and James Goodenow ran a 22:56.29 and 22:56.81 as the next-best Panthers. 

Greenville scored a 108 to get fourth, just behind Truman. 

Women's 5K

Carie ran a 19:23.81 to place fourteenth. Norah Swinigan and Chloe Aubuschon followed with a 20:38.85 and 21:26.52. 

The Panthers were close behind Mo. Baptist at fifth place with a score of 168. 

After their great performances at this meet, Estrada and Carie were awarded the SLIAC runners of the week. 

Up Next:

The Panthers travel to Terre Haute, Ind. on September 21st for the Indiana State Invite.