Goncalves' runner-up finish leads Barton women's cross country team at ESU's Papa John's Invite

The Barton Community College women's cross country team competed in their second meet of the season Friday in the Papa John's Invitational hosted by Emporia State University.  Held at the Emporia Municipal Golf Course, the Lady Cougars didn't field a full team in the 5k race but did place two freshmen in the top fourteen amongst a field of 125 runners from NJCAA, NAIA, and NCAA Division II levels.

Mirena Goncalves came up eight seconds short of her second consecutive win as the freshman finished runner-up at 18:37.18 to Fort Hays State University junior Shea Bonines' winning 18:29.36 time.   Placing behind Goncalves in the season opener, Wilyeska Suarez was also impressive in her second collegiate race finishing 13th at 19:58.33.

Sophomore Mariah Stein placed 77th in 22:39.64 while Amira Del Muro's 24:26.90 placed the freshman in 99th place.

Barton will next travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas, for the Chile Pepper Festival held on Saturday, October 1.