The Nebraska cross country team began its season at the Augustana Twilight on Friday night at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, S.D.
The Husker women captured the team title for the first time since 2015, led by Berlyn Schutz. A freshman from Lincoln, Schutz crossed the line first with a time of 17:17.18. Brynna McQuillen pitched in a top-five finish, covering the course in 17:40.61 to place fifth. Ali Bainbridge finished sixth in her Husker debut, clocking a 17:49.70. Taya Skelton finished 10th with an 18:09.88 and Cami Merickel placed 21st with an 18:32.54 to round out the scoring for the women. NU totaled 43 points, with South Dakota State finishing second (66 points) and Augustana placing third (105 points).
Trevor Acton led the men with an 11th-place finish, clocking a 19:47.06. Cal Puskar placed 13th (19:49.15) and Sam Kirchner placed 23rd (20:11.39). Joe Volkmer and Grant Wasserman chipped in back-to-back finishes, clocking a 20:15.76 and a 20:15.89 to place 26th and 27th. The Nebraska men finished third with 83 points, behind South Dakota State (62 points) and St. Thomas (68 points).
The Huskers return to action on Saturday, Sept. 16 when they host the 33rd annual Woody Greeno/Jay Dirksen Invite at the Mahoney Golf Course in Lincoln.
Women's Lineup (5K)
1. Berlyn Schutz – 17:17.18
5. Brynna McQuillen – 17:40.61
6. Ali Bainbridge – 17:49.70
10. Taya Skelton – 18:09.88
21. Cami Merickel – 18:32.54
22. Emma Ralston – 18:33.12
27. Jacqueline Abanses – 18:40.61
31. Lindsey Blehm – 18:44.24
34. Hayley Trotter – 18:47.16
42. Hannah Godwin – 18:56.80
87. Sadye Daniell – 19:41.29
88. McKenna Lovehaug – 19:42
153. Lauren Blehm – 20:52.17
178. Katelyn Mullinax – 21:12.55
Men's Lineup (4-Mile)
11. Trevor Acton – 19:47.06
13. Cal Puskar – 19:49.15
23. Sam Kirchner – 20:11.39
26. Joe Volkmer – 20:15.76
27. Grant Wasserman – 20:15.89
37. Jerry Jorgenson – 20:24.45
49. Eric Carothers – 20:39.32
66. Colby Erdkamp – 20:54.29
104. Nolan Miller – 21:23.49