VICTORIA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women’s cross country team ended their regular season racing with a strong performance at the FHSU Tiger Open on Saturday (Oct. 7). Fort Hays State hosted the event at Sand Plum Nature Trail on a wet and muddy autumn morning. The Tigers finished fourth overall and second among MIAA teams, completing the race with 160 points.

A total of 820 runners competed in the four races, ultimately breaking the previous meet record held at last year’s race (661). 165 women traversed the course in the five-kilometer Gold Race.

Lindsay Roberts navigated the trail in 19:04.0, finishing 19th individually. Chelsea Jackson finished just a couple seconds behind Li. Roberts with a time of 19:05.9 to claim the 20th spot. Lauren Roberts completed the course in 19:31.9 to finish at 39th overall. Yessenia Gonzales reached the finish line a few seconds behind La. Roberts with an individual finish of 40th overall (19:34.1). Lisa Penner rounded out the scoring for the Tigers with a time of 20:11.7 and a 72nd place finish.

Western State upset the second ranked team in the country and won the event with 48 team points. Pittsburg State was the first MIAA program to cross the finish line with a second place finish and totaling 73 points. Adams State rounded out the top three with 142 points. Winnie Kibet of Colby CC took home the individual title concluding the race with a time of 18:00.6.

The Tigers are back on the course in two weeks as they travel to Warrensburg, Mo., to compete at the MIAA Championships (Oct. 21). The race is set to begin a 10 a.m.