Cullowhee, N.C.- The Gardner-Webb University men's cross country team placed sixth and Gabby Cortese finished in 25th place, in both squad's season-opening meet Friday at the 2014 Western Carolina Cross Country Invitational.

Christopher Lile was the top finisher on the men's side for the Runnin' Bulldogs, as he took 37th place with a time of 17:31.43.

Sophomore Jenna Ford (Wasilla, Alaska / Wasilla H.S.) had a strong run for GWU, as she raced to a time of 13:03.65, which was good for a 37th place finish.

Sydney Davis and Michaela Williams both looked strong in their collegiate debuts, as they each finished in the top 50. Davis took 48th place with a time of 13:39.84, and Williams crossed the line in 50th place with a time of 13:59.03.

Marcquel Woodard looked strong in his season opener for GWU, as he paced himself to a 34th place finish in a time of 18:16.09.

McKinley Gray went out strong in his first race for Gardner-Webb, as he finished with a time of 19:34.54 which was good for a 41st place finish.

Matthew Cook (Connelly Springs, N.C. / East Burke High School) and Aaron Cronk (West Jefferson, N.C. / Ashe County High School) also had top 50 finishes for the Runnin' Bulldogs, as they finished with times of 20:11.96 and 20:57.65 respectively.

The Runnin' Bulldogs return to action on Sept. 13 when they host the Gardner-Webb Invitational with runners set to go off at 9:45 a.m.