Cross country teams sweep invitational

Stephanie Sanders finished in first place at the College of DuPage Invitational. – Photo: Steve Woltmann

The men’s and women’s cross country teams took first place at the College of DuPage Invitational Friday at St. James Farm Forest Preserve. The Flames swept the first two spots in the men’s and women’s races.

Sophomore Alex Bashqawi took first for the second consecutive year at the event, completing the 8K race with a time of 25 minutes. Teammate Kyle Hauser followed closely in second at 25:00.34. Sophomore Brixton Rill crossed the finish line in sixth with a time of 25:33.95, and freshman Nathan Mroz finished eighth (25:42.13).

“Last year Bashqawi won the race and he took it again with a come-from-behind victory,” head coach Jim Knoedel said. “He showed how talented he really is.”

Senior Stephanie Sanders earned the top spot on the women’s side (17:59.67), as the Flames took five of the top 10 places in the 3-mile race. Senior Lauren Lindholm placed second, crossing the finish line in 18:09.77. Senior Emma Preston finished fifth with a time of 18:35.56, and freshman Allison Hansen followed in sixth (18:36.54). Junior Brittany Schwarz finished seventh (18:44.03).

“Sanders demonstrated what a strong runner she is, pulling away from the pack to easily win,” Knoedel said. “I was very happy with Stephanie and Lauren (Lindholm) with how they stepped up today.”

UIC heads to South Bend, Ind., for the Notre Dame Invitational Saturday.