ASHLAND, WI -- Courtesy:  MTU, NMU

Senior Christina Mishica of Hancock finished a career-best second to lead the Michigan Tech women’s cross country team at the Northland College Invitational in Ashland, Wis. Friday (Sept. 9). The Hancock, Wis., native covered the five-kilometer race in 19:36, 35 seconds behind race winner Morgan Place of Minnesota Duluth.

"Christina had a very good race today," said head coach Joe Haggenmiller. "I was happy with how Marissa and Daniels raced today despite the confusion on the course."

The women were originally set to race six-kilometers but due to confusion on the course the race was shortened to five-kilometers.

Sophomore Marissa Yovetich and junior Sarah Daniels also turned in strong races finishing fourth (19:41) and ninth (20:00) respectively.

Senior Sydney Bruestle enjoyed a much better race today and finished 15th (20:42). Junior Amanda Halonen finished two spots back (20:55) to conclude the scoring for Tech.

The team competition was very tight in the women’s race. Minnesota Duluth edged out Northern Michigan, 40-41 with Tech third with 47 points.

Rita Woitas was the top finisher for NMU in fifth-place. She finished the six-kilometer race at the Chequamegon Bay Golf Club in 19:51.9.

Larissa Halonen was seventh (19:56.6), Nora Kiilunen was eighth (19:57.6) and Mandy Dye (20:03.9) was tenth to round out Wildcats in the top 10.

Alicia Romano (11th), Chelsea Farquhar (12th) and Olivia Howard (13th) rounded out the scoring for the ‘Cats.

Katie Granquist (15th) and Olivia Juntila (18th) also placed in the top 20.

Sophomore Matt Dugan was the top Michigan Tech finisher in the men’s race crossing the line in 10th. He covered the eight-kilometer course in 28:15.

Tech used strong pack running tactics to complete its top-five. Freshman Brandon Kampstra was 11th (28:26) and freshman Calvin Nitz (28:28) edged out junior Karl Koivisto (28:28) for 12th place.

Freshman Eric Parsell was just a step behind in 14th (28:29).

"It was good to see so many of our young guys step-up today and have good races," said Haggenmiller.

"We are in a pretty decent place right now in terms of fitness."

Minnesota Duluth won the men’s race with a perfect score of 15 with Tech second with 60 points.

Several of Tech’s top runners, both men and women, did not compete today to rest for future competitions.

Tech and NMU will race next Saturday (Sept. 17) at the St. Olaf Invite.