SALISBURY, N.C. — Averett University cross country competed in the Livingstone College Invitational on Friday.

The women's team kicked off the day with a strong performance in the 5K run. The Cougars earned a second-place finish as a team, spearheaded by a third-place finish from junior Gabrielle Griffin. Griffin's podium finish continued a fantastic stretch for the Cougars' frontrunner, who has finishes of eighth, first, and now third this season. Today's result was powered by a time of 20:44.57, just over 30 seconds behind the first-place runner from Gaston College. Senior Alheli Ramos-Garcia finished second for Averett, coming away with an eighth-place finish behind a time of 22:47.36. Senior Kailey Gates finished out the Cougars top-three with a time of 24:09.57, earning a 13th-place finish.

The men's team did not score a team result, but still performed well individually in the 8K. Junior Azael Quintero led the way, finishing eighth with a time of 29:22.25. Freshman Brett Foley crossed second for the Cougars, running to a 15th-place finish thanks to a time of 32:19.58. Junior Ke'Vannio Smith rounded out Averett's entries into the event, coming away 26th with a time of 40:10.72.

Cougars cross country is back in action for the Roanoke College Invitational South Region Showdown on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10:30 a.m.