Lynchburg, Va. – The University of Lynchburg cross country teams returned to the course against Division I competition at the season-opening Liberty Challenge on Friday.

Both squads used the opening race as a workout to prepare for later in the season, as the Hornets will wait three weeks until resuming competition in Raleigh, N.C. Friday evening's race marks the first coaching experience for assistant coach Sam Llaneza, who replaced Jake Reed as the head of the distance program.

In the women's 4k, Adelynn Carpenter placed 12th as the first Hornets finisher with a 16:09.2 performance. The sophomore is one of four Hornet ladies returning for the 2025 season who raced at the 2024 DIII NCAA Championships.

Juniors Jordan DiRisio (16:29.2) and Taylor Hill (16:32.8) finished close behind in 13th and 14th, while Delaney Saulsbury crossed the line in 16:41.4 for 16th place. Mya Baker capped the Hornets' scoring with a 16:47.2 result as Lynchburg finished second in the team scoring with 50 points.

Alex Paciello led the men's squad in the 6k with a 20:27.3 finish for 12th place. Alex Jordan crossed the line in 20:39.7 with teammate Cameron Sidebotham striding behind for a 20:41.6 performance. Jack Weddle (20:51.1) and Aidan Riggle (20:51.2) finished side by side and closed Lynchburg's team scoring at 50 points.

Four of Lynchburg's top five finishers are sophomores, while Aidan Riggle is the lone junior in the mix. 26 male athletes competed in the race for the Hornets.

Lynchburg returns to action on Friday, Sep. 19 at 5:00 p.m. as the cross country squads travel to the Adidas XC Challenge in Raleigh, N.C.

For results from the Liberty Challenge, click here.

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--LYN--