Ashland, Neb. – The Friends University men's and women's cross country teams each finished 22^nd at today's (Oct. 25) NAIA Blazing Tiger Classic in Ashland, Neb.

Saint Mary won the men's event and the College of Idaho finished first on the women's side.

Briac Ybanez led the Men's Falcons in 93^rd place at 26:41.1, followed by Sam Wright (26:50.9) in 105^th place.

Xavi Rafart (27:21.3) was next for Friends in 150^th and Alex Zortman (27:49.9) came in 184^th. Mike Rodriguez (28:58.5) rounded out the Falcons' top five placers in 245^th.

It was Lexi Patterson leading the Falcon Women in 94^th place overall with a time of 24:12.0.

Hannah Cribley (25:06.8) posted a 143th place result and Rebekah Choriego (25:43.8) finished 173^rd. Janaya Devorce (26:29.3) in 202^nd and Grace Lee (26:47.0) in 213^th wrapped up the Falcon runners within the top five.

Both Falcon cross country squads will now begin preparations for the KCAC Championships on Nov. 8 in Leavenworth, Kan.