The Bluffton University cross country team traveled to Manchester University on Saturday, Sept. 26, to compete in a dual meet against the Spartans under the lights.

Following the 5K races that went off at 7:30 and 8:15 p.m., the two schools competed in a series of elimination miles to cap off the evening.

The men's team finished in second place behind Manchester with an overall team score of 38. Freshman Ethan Ly (Celina) led the Beavers with an impressive time of 16:25. He was followed closely by sophomore Britton Boyle (Middletown) and fellow freshman Alex Montross (Perrysburg) as the top three men from Bluffton all finished within eight seconds of each other.

Bluffton was an impressive 5th as the other Heartland Conference school also lined up at their respective institutions. The Beavers were just one point behind Hanover for 4th overall.

The women's team took second place as well, finishing with a team score of 40. The women were led yet again by freshman Makenzie Brownrigg (Davison) who finished with a time of 20:48. Freshman Jenia Freewalt (Delphos/St Johns) had a fantastic race, finishing right behind her teammate with a time of 20:53. Brooke Barnes (Ashland/Crestview) anchored the top 3 for the women with a time of 21:53. The women also took fifth among the conference schools on Saturday night.

The Beavers are next in action on Saturday, Oct. 10, at home on the track for a 1,600 meter virtual meet at Salzman Stadium.