FERNDALE, Wash. - The Western Washington University men's and women's cross country teams put in a winning performance at Saturday's Bill Roe Classic held at Hovander Homestead Park.

The No. 9 nationally-ranked men's squad posted a team score of 31 in the 8K to finish ahead of second-place Trinity Western (46). Senior Jared Alderfer led the Vikings placing 2nd overall with a time of 24:07.5 with TWU Justin Kiplagat winning in 24;06.2. WWU had five runners in the top 10 and 11 in the top 20.

The Viking women also recorded a team win edging Central Washington with a team score of 44 to the Wildcats 54. Senior Ella Edens won the 6K with a time of 20:48.0, well ahead of second-place Abigail Yakemchuk of UBC Okanagan (21:02.8).

"Today was a great start to our competitive racing season. The team has been training hard the last three months with our eyes on the championship part of our schedule," said WWU distance coach T.J. Garlatz. "We feel like we are in a really great place to achieve our goals for this season. I'm very proud of Jared and Ella for leading the team and showing what a good strong summer of training can help accomplish."

Here is a recap of the event from Northwest TF/XC aficionado Paul Merca.

This story will be updated later Saturday (busy day of events for the Vikings).