CLINTON, Miss. - The Delta State University women's cross country team kicked off its 2025 season Friday evening at the MC Opener placing 8th overall with a team score of 195 points in a strong 13-team field.

Senior Emma Haley led the Lady Statesmen with a 5K time of 22:41.7, finishing 42nd overall. She was followed closely by Lindsey Hogue (23:36.0, 49th) and Caroline McAlpin (23:44.0, 50th), giving Delta State three finishers inside the top 50.

Rounding out the scoring lineup, Maeve Lavoy crossed in 24:11.6 for 54th, while Kayla Lofton finished at 24:48.4 (56th). Sophomore Mackenzie Mercer clocked a 25:03.6 finish to place 59th.

Head Coach Britnee Smith said, "I am proud of our effort. The girls ran hard. We had an 8th place finish; only 4 points from 6th and 7th. We showed a lot of potential! We are excited to get back to work and continue getting better."

Delta State will look to build on this performance when it returns to action later this month when the Lady Statesmen compete at Shelby Farms in Memphis, Tenn., on Sept. 20.