Lafayette, La. – The Nicholls State cross country teams competed in the Ragin Cajun Invitational Friday night and came away with first and second place finishes. The women earned the invite title behind placing in the top four spots, while the men earned second.
The women had six of the top ten finishes led by Ingvild Vedde who finished first overall in 19:12, while the men, led by Sebie O'Neil's sixth place finish in 22:18, propelled the men to a second place finish.
Scoring 16 points in the meet, Vedde was followed by Emily Charlesworth finishing second overall in 19:14,Tessni Carruthers in third in 19:22, Jessica McCleod fourth in 19:25 and Jackie White sixth in 20:05.
It is the women's first team title this year, coming off last week's top finish in the McNeese Relays.
O'Neal and the men used its first meet to make a strong message coming out of the gate, as the Colonels placed five runners in the top 15, with Kane Daigle's eighth place finish in 22:38, Tyler Folse's tenth place finish in 22:45, Reece Vitale's 13th place finish in 23.14 and Justin Babin's 14th place finish in 23:38.
Each team will return to action Oct. 1 taking part in the McNeese Invitational in Lake Charles.
TEAM SCORES - WOMEN
1. Nicholls 16
2. Xavier 64
3. Louisiana-Lafayette 70
4. Alcorn 87
5. Southern 94
6. New Orleans 136
TEAM SCORES - MEN
1. Louisiana-Lafayette 28
2. Nicholls 51
3. Xavier 64
4. Alcorn State 95
5. Southern 105
6. New Orleans 122
Top Nicholls Women Finishers
Ingvild Vedde – 19:12
Emly Charlesworth – 19:14
Tessni Carruthers – 19:22
Jessica McCleod – 19:35
Jackie White – 20:05
Top Nicholls Men Finishers
Sebbie O'Neil – 22:18
Kane Daigle – 22:38
Tyler Folse – 22:45
Reese Vitale – 23:14
Justin Babin – 23:38