NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Newberry College men's and women's cross country teams got off to an impressive start Friday in the season-opening meet at Charleston Southern, finishing as the top Division II school in each race.

The women, competing on CSU's 4K layout, finished fourth overall in a field of eight after being ranked 10th in the South Atlantic Conference preseason coaches' poll last month.

Leading the pack for the Wolves was co-captain Ahja Amos in 19:03.3, followed hot on her heels by Alaya Lindquist. Lindquist's time of 19:04.2 landed her one spot behind her teammate as they occupied the Nos. 36 and 37 positions in the race.

Freshman Josie Langtry came home a short time later, running her first collegiate race in 19:38.3. Fellow first-timers Haley Culver and Grace Jellow completed the scoring for the Wolves as Culver ran the race in 19:55.7, and Jellow, 20:08.5.

"I'm extremely proud of how this young crew has trained over the past few weeks," Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Jimmy Stephens said. "They did an amazing job today and it's exciting to see this team develop."

On the men's side, the Scarlet and Gray took home the fifth spot in a field of eight teams.

Freshman Tyler Shumate showed his chops by finishing 26th in his first career race with a time of 20:22.2 on the 6K layout.

"Coach Hutchinson has recruited a stellar class and done a great job preparing them for the season," Coach Stephens said.

Junior Kevin Kipkosgei finished nine positions behind Shumate as he crossed the finish line in 20:51.7.

Drew Benson, one of six freshmen on the men's team, ran the race in 21:06.7 to finish 38th. Rounding out the scoring for the Wolves were Braylon Reier and Jonah Wendland.

Both the Newberry men's and women's teams are back in action next Saturday (Sept. 9) in Newton, N.C., as Lenoir-Rhyne hosts the SAC preview meet.