KETTERING, Ohio – The Cleveland State cross country team opened the 2013 season Saturday, running in the Dayton Flyer 5K Challenge. The Vikings were led by underclassmen Saturday, as multiple runners sat out due to pre-season injuries.

"I'm really pleased with our results today, the majority of the team was running in their first collegiate race and I thought they all did a great job," head coach Joe Jaketic said. "They have all been working and running together in practice and it showed today when there was only a 30-second difference between our first and fifth finisher. Because of all the injuries, the freshmen had to step up and they certainly did, and that bodes well for the rest of the season."

The top five finishers for CSU were running in their first collegiate race, paced by Ashlyn Woods who finished 28^th overall in a time of 20:46. Classmate Erin Pavick also recorded a top-30 finish, crossing the line 29^th overall in a time of 20:53.

Sarah Mallow and Alanna Shamrock were the next Vikings to finish, Mallow placing 32^nd overall (21:12) and Shamrock placing 33^rd (21:14). Amelia Holt was the final Viking to finish in the top-40, placing 35^th in a time of 21:20.

Ashley Lydic and Shannon Kruger were the final Vikings to score Saturday, Lydic placing 43^rd (22:27) and Kruger placing 44^th (22:44). The trio of Jesse Stallings (22:51), Megan O'Keefe (24:05) and Amanda Kalain (25:59) also competed at the Dayton Flyer 5K Challenge.

"Hopefully we will have a full team next weekend and be able to improve on our times and continue to run as a team so that we can improve throughout the season," Jaketic said.

In the team results, Ohio State paced the competition, while the Vikings finished sixth ahead of Horizon League opponent Wright State.

The Vikings will continue the 2013 season next weekend, running at the Detroit Titan Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 7.