he Bemidji State University cross country team opened its 2016 season Friday, competing in the Randy Smith Memorial 4,000-meter race at the Dragon Twilight in Moorhead, Minn.

The Beavers finished eight, led by newcomer Vanessa Rae Lopez, who finished 28th with a time of 15:36.4, 2:24 off the pace set by Alexis Zeis of the University of Mary.

Behind Zeis, the Marauders placed all five scoring runners among the top nine to take the race with 28 points, while University of Minnesota Duluth placed second with 42 points.

The Beavers finished with 202 points. In addition to Lopez, BSU’s top performers were: Sarone Paulzine (16:01.4) in 38th and Jane Austin (16:46.4) in 44th place.

Next, BSU will travel to Falcon Heights, Minn. Sept. 24 to compete in the Roy Griak Invitational.