Men's 6k Results | Women's 4k Results

THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University men's and women's cross country squads had a strong showing in their first meet of the season Saturday at the Nicholls Cross Country Invitational that was held at the Nicholls Farm.

Freshman Julia Garcia Verges was the Colonel women's top finisher, placing fourth in the women's 4k on a 17:11.02. She was followed by fellow freshmen Lara Reifers (17:39.40) and Faith Keter (18:19.50), who rounded out the Top 10 at seventh and 10^th, respectively. Sophomores Joyce Kiplagat (18:23.09) and Eleana Callejas (18:58.87) and freshman Isabelle Caron (22:34.42) also competed for the Colonels.

Freshman Julia Garcia talks about her first college race and fourth-place finish. #GeauxColonels #iNvested pic.twitter.com/DH36J5mAfo

— NichollsXCTF (@Nicholls_XCTF) September 1, 2018

"We had an excellent first competition for our women's team to take second place," Nicholls head coach Stefanie Slekis said. "Julia Garcia Verges ran an exceptional race, getting out in fourth place and fighting to maintain her position throughout the race. It will be exciting to see our pack progress throughout the season."

Tulane's McKenzie Melius captured the women's individual crown, crossing the finish line at 15:42.04 to help the Green Wave also take the team title.

Freshmen Daniel Figueroa (21:59.63), Jonathan Hernandez (22:02.42) and Tyler Granger (22:34.30) posted Top 10 finishes on the men's side at fifth, sixth and eighth, respectively. Freshman Dustin Worley (24:24.57) and junior Teril Cooper (28:30.03) rounded out the men's group.

Two freshmen. Two top finishes. Daniel Figueroa talks about his fifth-place finish in the men's race. pic.twitter.com/crPVJ7z4Rp

— NichollsXCTF (@Nicholls_XCTF) September 1, 2018

"We had a great first University competition for our four freshmen who raced – with Daniel leading the entire men's field through the first mile," Slekis said. "Our top three competed strongly the second half after an aggressive start. We will continue to improve as a team with two of our freshmen waiting to make their debuts later this season."

Tulane also swept the men's side as Carlos Zervigon finished first at 21:11.55, leading the five-man pack that all placed in the Top 15.

The Dr. Richard Morvant Girls 3 Mile high school race was won by Vandebilt Catholic, but it was Parkway's Joslyn Crosby (21:51.95) who placed first individually. There was a similar situation on the boys' side as Parkway claimed the team title while Berwick's Darby Frickey (18:40.63) won the individual crown.

Great day of muddy competition with @Nicholls_XCTF Women taking 2nd as a team with 3 finishers in the Top 10 & All 5 in the Top 12! The Men had a great day as well with 3 in the Top 8! #GeauxColonels #SouthlandStrong #BigThingsToCome #ProudCoach pic.twitter.com/sruDotfEcb

— Stefanie Slekis (@StefanieSlekis) September 1, 2018

For a full list of results from other races, please click here.

To stay up to date with the Nicholls cross country squads, follow the teams on twitter @Nicholls_XCTF.