VALPARAISO, Ind. -- The Western Michigan cross country team opened the season by finishing third at the Winrow Valparaiso Open this evening.

"Overall I'm pleased with how today went, head coach Kevin Cataldo said. "We had a very young group race and I thought they did a good job managing themselves in their first collegiate race. As a group, we did well working together and pack running. I would say this was the best we have done with that as a group in my time here. It's exciting because this group hasn't run together that long and I think we will continue to keep getting better with it as the season goes on."

The Broncos had 68 points as a team and finished behind only Notre Dame and Purdue. Rounding out the top five in the field were Grace College and Valparaiso. The Broncos were led by Chloe Nixon, who finished 10th in her college debut. She crossed the finish line in a time of 18:42.9. 

Behind her in 12th place was Madison Clor. She posted a 5K time of 18:47.8 in her college debut. Veteran Brooke Soper nabbed 15th place with a time of 18:55.5. 

Delaney Knoll and Madison Zarembski rounded out the scoring lineup for the Broncos. Knoll placed 19th with a time of 19:03.7, while Zarembski grabbed 27th place. She had a final time of 19:24.5. Ann Marie Jordan was also in the meet's top 30, as she collected a time of 19:30.7. 

The Broncos will be back in action on Sept. 15 at the Mel Brodt Collegiate Open hosted by Bowling Green. That meet is set for 6 PM.