New Orleans – A strong performance by the University of Mary men's cross country team over the weekend propelled the Marauders into the regional rankings released today by the US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association while U-Mary's women's squad maintained its hold on second.

The Marauders cracked the men's Central Region ratings for the first time this season, arriving in the ninth slot. Led by an outstanding effort from Jesse Bennett, U-Mary finished 12th last weekend at the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational. The junior from Kalispell, MT, placed fourth overall and led the Marauders to 12th place in the team standings. That was a seven-slot improvement over a year ago.

Ranked seventh in the nation, the U-Mary women's team remains second in the Central Region, trailing just NCAA defending champion Augustanta. The Marauders placed fourth at the Griak while being the only team to place three runners in the top 17.

Melissa Agnew finished second overall and tops among runners attached to a college. Dakota Wolf placed fourth overall and Alicia Nehl was 17th.

The Marauders next compete at the Ron Pynn Invitational on October 13.

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