LAKE CHARLES, La. – Senior Jessica McCleod and freshman Tessni Carruthers teamed up to take first place as the Nicholls State University women's cross country team opened up the season at the McNeese Relays in Lake Charles, La. on Friday.

After finishing second in last year's 6000 meter relay, McCleod was able to take the top spot after pairing up with Carruthers for a 20:20, edging out McNeese State by seven seconds. Colonel sophomores Jackie White and Emily Charlesworth placed eighth with a 22:01, while freshmen Sarah Pressley and Ashley Johnson finished at 15th at 22:56.

For the team standings, McNeese claimed the title with Nicholls placing second. Southern Miss (3rd), Southeastern Louisiana (4th), Louisiana-Monroe (5th), Northwestern State (6th) and Louisiana-Lafayette (7th) rounded out the standings.

"It was a good meet for us and exactly what we wanted to start the season,” said head coach Scott Williamson. “The ladies have been training hard and this was a short race for us, only being 3000 meters. We look forward to a few weeks of training and then opening up with a 5000 meter race at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette."

The Colonels return to action on Sept. 17 in the Ragin' Cajuns Invitational.