DUBUQUE – Cornell's women fended off host Loras in a tight battle for the team title at Friday's Bob Schultz Cross Country Invitational, held at Dubuque Soccer Complex.
 
Coach Jerry Frawley's No. 6 regionally-ranked Rams came away victorious in the season-opening meet, edging Loras by a 31-34 margin.
 
Cornell fielded four runners in the top 10, paced by a runner-up effort from sophomore Lidia Dahlman. The 2024 all-conference performer posted a 5K time of 18:55.6, just behind Loras champion Keelee Leitzen (18:54.0).
 
Senior Alyza Koppes was also in title contention. The returning all-region honoree placed fourth in 18:59.
 
Senior Ava Claussen-Tubbs impressed in her collegiate cross country debut, taking sixth in 19:18. Mackenzie Engbert placed ninth (19:44) and sophomore Carley Seeley 14th (20:00) to round out Cornell's scoring five.
 
Zoe Peesel (20:17.7) and Milar Little (20:17.8) ran 17th and 18th, respectively, in a field of 69 runners.
 
Coming up – Cornell competes at the Les Duke Invitational Sept. 13 in Grinnell.