The Bemidji State University cross country team returned to action Saturday, as it competed in the Roy Griak Invitational. The Beavers placed 34th in the 40-team event.

Newcomer Vanessa Rae Lopez, who finished the 6,000-meter course in a time of 26:28.0 to take 170th place individually, led the Beavers. BSU scored 1,039 as a team, 948 off the pace set by the University of Mary, which finished three of its runners among the top 25 individually, including individual champion Alexis Zeis (22.10.2).

In addition to Lopez, BSU’s top performers were: Sarone Paulzine (26:51.5) in 182nd and Jane Austin (27:25.3) in 202nd place.

Next, BSU will travel to Sauk Rapids, Minn. Oct. 7 to compete in the Bob Waxlax Invitational.