MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois cross country turned in a strong showing Friday at the Redbird Invite, with the women's team finishing sixth overall and the men's squad gaining valuable experience against a deep field.

In the women's 6K, freshman Deana Hudson led the Leathernecks with a time of 23:05.6 to place 23rd overall. She was followed by Emma-Kate Watt (23:32.1, 30th), Finley Hancock (23:44.4, 33rd), Marissa Shute (24:00.2, 34th), and Lily Patterson (24:22.6, 35th) to round out WIU's top five. Ellie Eastman (24:25.3) and Cassandra Brushaber (24:45.7) also contributed strong efforts.

On the men's side, the Leathernecks ran three competitors in the 8K. Freshman Brody Harker led the way in 27:02.4 for 55th place, with fellow freshman Evan Eberhart close behind at 27:44.7. Sophomore Logan Rosas finished in 27:51.3 for Western Illinois. 

The meet featured several regionally ranked programs, providing WIU with a strong midseason test.

Western Illinois returns to action in two weeks at Missouri for the Gans Creek Classic. 

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