The Barton Community College women's cross country team opened the season at the annual Terry Masterson Twilight Classic in Hutchinson Friday evening. A tradition normally under the lights the start of the race was moved up three hours to avoid potential heavy rainfall and threats of lightening.

Battling extensive humidity throughout the race the Cougar four pack was led by Kayan Green's ninth place finish clocking a time of 19:44.0.

Making her collegiate debut, Karina Herrera turned in the 20th fastest time of 20:21.7 around the three-lap mile course.

Rounding out the results for Barton was Lashanna Graham's 68th place finish with a time of 22:42.6 and freshman Dixee Lacen's time of 23:25.1 finishing 78th overall.

Leading the 119 competitor field was Washburn University's Patricia Koma crossing the finish line with a mark of 18:54.4. Stephanie Martinez of Kansas Wesleyan and Karissa Glover of Cowley College rounded out the podium.

Claiming the team title out of 13 total teams was Washburn University with a score of 48. Dodge City Community College led all two-year schools with a runner-up finish of 81 points with Cloud County Community College earning a third place showing with 105 points.

The Cougars next competition is schedule for September 24th for the Emporia State Cross Country Invitational held at Jones Park in Emporia, KS.