CARY, N.C. — The High Point University women's cross country team completed its second meet of the season in Cary, N.C., placing 6th in the Adidas XC Challenge. The Panthers were led by Brianna Malone, who made her season debut and placed 15th overall in the 5k. 

"So this is the first race of the season where everyone for the most part was suited up," Head Coach Remy Tamer stated. "We're still missing a couple, but everyone who is healthy suited up today, so we got a real first test of where the team is. I think everyone's time of performances were skewed a little slower, about 20 to 25 seconds slower for everyone than I expected, which when everyone is skewed poorly, that's a my fault, that's a coaching fault. Now it puts us in a fun position where we get to work on being the most improved team for the year."

Malone placed first for the Panthers with a time of 17:06.5, while graduate student Alyssa Hendrix, who also made her season debut, placed second for the Panthers with a time of 17:20.1 and 21st overall. 

The third Panther making their season debut was Charli Montalvo, who clocked in at a time of 18:07.5. Former Freshman of the Week, Olivia Purdy, followed up her collegiate debut with an 18:32.9 finish. 

Tamer had the following to say about Purdy, "She has the courage to test herself, [and] maybe take a risk. I like that for a freshman for only five, six weeks into school. It's great."

Seniors Mikayla Moxley, Lauren Vossen, and Shauna Skow finished with sub-20-minute times of 19.19.5, 19.36.0, and 19:49.5 respectively. Freshmen Charlotte Heaton and Kat Gunter clocked in with times of 20:15.4 and 21:38.2. 

Tamer states that the team needed the measurement from the meet to see where they are. They now have eyes on the championship season. They have a realistic starting point now and how to get to where they want to go. They want to win another conference title and finish high in the NCAA regional. 

The Panthers placed in front of teams such as Davidson and East Carolina who they finished behind in the season opener.