ANDERSON, S.C. - Following a layoff of nearly two weeks, the Anderson University men's and women's cross country teams are scheduled to compete in the Royals Challenge, which will be hosted by Queens University of Charlotte on Friday at McAlpine Creek Park.

In their final tune-up for the South Atlantic Conference Championships later this month, the men will compete at an 8K distance slated to start at 4:30 p.m., with the women scheduled to cover the 5K course beginning at 5:15 p.m.

Friday's return to Charlotte marks the Trojans' second appearance in the Queen City this fall after competing at the Royals Twilight to open the season in early September. Unlike Friday's meet, the season-opener was at a 5K distance for both squads and was at the Freedom Park venue. Anderson has competed in Charlotte at least twice in each of the last six seasons, with this marking their second straight appearance and fifth time in the last six seasons at the Royals Challenge.

Following stellar individual and team performances two weeks ago at the Bulldog Stampede, the Trojan women's team vaulted into third place in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) DII Southeast Region Rankings, just behind top-ranked Montevallo from the Peach Belt Conference and fellow SAC-member Wingate. The host Royals occupied the fourth spot in the most recent weekly rankings, setting up exciting scenarios this weekend among some of the region's top teams, even though the Trojans will not be competing with a full complement of runners with the SAC Championships on the horizon.

Sophomore Haylee Love slashed more than a minute off her previous personal-best time to win the Bulldog Stampede in AU's most recent outing, while the team finished second overall. Junior Olivia Gardner claimed 15th while sophomore Alex Dixon was just behind in 16th place. Freshman Martha Coleman claimed 27th place, with fellow newcomer Abigail Bozarth was 36th and Grace Gerlock took 53rd place.

Junior Mia Swiersz finished 72nd, while junior Amber Worthy and freshman Maddie Buddenberg placed 87th and 89th, respectively. Sophomore Allison Halperin crossed the line in 104th and junior Bari Robinson finished 138th as she continued to recover from injurie.

The Trojan men's squad has been tabbed 10th in each of the last two USTFCCCA weekly rankings, with five SAC schools occupying spots in the top 10. The host Royals are currently ranked second, with Mars Hill (5th), Lincoln Memorial (8th) and Wingate (9th) rounding out the top squads, along with Anderson.

Sophomore Mason Hazel led the Trojan men two weeks ago, as the Summerville, S.C., native posted a sixth-place finish on the strength of a season-best time. Teammate Ben Boerma claimed 32nd, while junior Ned Kennedy crossed the finish line in 47th. Junior Jesse Patrick finished 56th, with Michael Burch garnering 80th and freshman John Drummond claiming 99th.

Last year's Royals Challenge saw Burch post a season-best 28:33.3 and finish 87th. Boerma placed 92nd a season ago, with Patrick finishing 96th.