WICHITA, Kan. – The Washburn women's cross country team turned in a strong opening performance Saturday morning at the JK Gold Classic, placing seven runners in the top 40 of a deep field led by NCAA Division I and nationally ranked programs, finishing fourth overall out of nine teams.

Lexie Fontaine was the top finisher for the Ichabods, placing 15th overall in 19:28.50. She was followed by Jordyn Cleary, who clocked 19:44.98 for 19th place, and Jolie Evans, who crossed in 23rd at 19:55.75.

Washburn's depth continued to show with Rylee Ismert in 28th (20:00.66), Grace Collins in 33rd (20:10.73), and Riley Britton in 34th (20:14.24). Ebba Wetterberg also cracked the top 40 with a 38th-place finish in 20:19.93.

Additional Ichabod scorers included Katy Menke (58th, 21:05.97), Riley Ammons (60th, 21:28.74), and Mya Kafka (67th, 21:46.06),

The Ichabods tallied 109 points overall trailing Oklahoma (29), Fort Hays State (52) and Wichita State (58).

The Ichabods will return to action Sept. 20 at the Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin, Mo.