NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Senior Mary Kenney led the way for the College of Saint Benedict cross country team as the Bennies turned in a strong showing at the 54th annual St. Olaf Invitational on Saturday, finishing fifth in a competitive field.

In just their second meet of the season, CSB totaled 163 points, placing five runners in the top 70 (189 runners, 17 teams). Kenney paced the team with a 17th-place finish, clocking a time of 23:31.6 over the 6,000-meter course.

First-year standout Daphne Grobstein impressed in her 6K debut, finishing 33rd with a time of 23:47.2 — a performance that now ranks 47th all-time in program history. Junior Abby Bufkin was the team's third finisher, taking 61st in 24:36.3, followed closely by junior Julia Babineau (70th, 24:42.9) and sophomore Mollie Ping (72nd, 24:44.6), who set a new personal best.

Also competing for the Bennies were Natalie Zielsdorf (81st, 24:36.5), Rachel Olinger (84th, 25:00.00); Anabella Witschen (97th, 25:21.6) , rounding out a solid team effort.

Nationally ranked Carleton, led by individual champion Hannah Preisser (22:03.2), took the team title with just 24 points, placing three runners in the top eight. UW-La Crosse (59 points), St. Olaf (82), and UW-Eau Claire (94) followed, with Saint Benedict closing out the top five.

Next for CSB will be a trip to Salem, Oregon, to compete at the George Oja Invitational, which will be held at the Oak Knoll Golf Course.