VALPARAISO, Ind. - Head coach Antonio McDaniel got a first look at his women's cross country squad on Friday morning (Aug 30) as the Jaguars competed at the Winrow-Valpo Open at Sunset Hills Farm. The Jaguars placed seventh overall with 183 points as fifth-year senior Ellie Cates paced the team in the 5,000m race. 

Cates spun a time of 18:54.8 to place 31st of 73 runners as the strong field included teams from Butler, Notre Dame and Purdue, among others. 

Senior Laci Provenzano crossed in 37th place overall at 19:23.4 and rookie Ella Colclesser made her collegiate debut with a time of 19:33.3. Purdue Northwest-transfer Carina Alanis placed 43rd with a personal best time of 19:41.6 as she had never broke 20 minutes in her collegiate career previously. 

"It felt great to run with the team for the first time," Colclesser said. "My goal was to stay close with everyone and use them to push me and that definitely helped make a difference with my race."

Sophomore Grace Bragg rounded out the scoring five in 45th place at 20:00.9 and Hannah Robbins was next at 20:15.0, taking 24 seconds off her previous best.

Three others - Mary Fritch (20:32.5), Julianna Crow (20:37.5) and Julynne Spidell (21:26.4) - also set new personal bests in the opener. 

Notre Dame's Addison Knoblauch took the individual tape in a time of 17:34.6 while the Fighting Irish edged Purdue for the team title, finishing with 43 points. Purdue was second with 48 and Butler was third with 65. 

IU Indy will return to action on Friday, Sept. 20 when they host the Jaguars Invitational in Shelbyville, Ind.