OREM, Utah -- The Southern Utah men's and women's cross country teams opened their 2018 campaigns on Saturday morning, competing at the 2018 UVU Invitational.

On the women's side Alison Pray was the the top runner in the field, finishing the 5K at Cascade Golf Course with a time of 17:56.3.

Pray helped lead the T-Birds to a second place finish at the event, with Morgan Porcaro finishing second for the T-Birds and third in the field with a time of 18:16.6. Freshman Haley Tanne finished in fifth at the meet with a 18:26.2 in her first competition for the Thunderbirds. Brighton Glassman (19:28.7) and Josie Bushar (20:08.5) wrapped up the scoring for Southern Utah.  

The women's team finished second behind UVU, who had 14 runners in the field.

On the men's side Liam Kennell was the top collegiate in the field, finishing the 5K in 15:19.7.

The Thunderbird men's team finished second to UVU as well, as Koy Moore (15:34.4) was the second runner to cross the finish line for the T-Birds. Michael Finch (15:43.8), Mark Bennett (15:44.0) and Sage Ducote (16:01.3) finished third through fifth for the T-Birds.  

Next up for the Thunderbirds will be the UC Riverside Invitation, where it is anticipated the top team on both the men's and women's side will compete for SUU.

Stay current on the Thunderbird cross country programs by following @SUUTFXC on Twitter and Instagram and like the Southern Utah Track and XC page on Facebook.

Head to www.suutbirds.com for all Thunderbird athletics news.