CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Paced by freshman Alex Dixon, the Anderson women's cross country team opened the season by placing second at the Royals Twilight, hosted by Queens University of Charlotte, Friday night at Freedom Park.
The 5k event featured eight teams, including six from the Southeast Region, with the Royals edging AU for the top spot. Peach Belt Conference-member UNC Pembroke was third, with Lincoln Memorial taking fourth.
Guilford finished fifth, with Belmont Abbey claiming sixth. St. Andrews and Averett placed seventh and eighth, respectively.
Dixon garnered third place in a time of 18:53.6, which was eight seconds out of the second spot. Sophomore Olivia Gardner (19:27.0) crossed the line in eighth, with fellow sophomore Bari Robinson finishing 10th in a time of 19:52.0. Senior Sydney Hazel (19:55.0) was just behind in 11th, with sophomore Amber Worthy posting a personal-best time of 20:12.9 and placing 15th. Sophomore Grace Gerlock also collected a personal-best time of 20:23.5 and finished 18th.
Sophomore Mia Swiersz's personal-best time of 20:26. 9 earned her the 20th slot, while freshmen Allison Halperin (20:49.1) and Taylor Morris (20:57.4) crossed the line in 24th and 26th, respectively. Freshman Haylee Love garnered 30th in a time of 21:23.0 and redshirt junior Devan Fisher (22:17.6) rounded out the Trojan contingent in 37th.
Anderson returns to action on Saturday at the Furman Cross Country Classic in Greenville, S.C.
