RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University men's and women's cross country teams opened the spring season by sweeping Morehead State in a dual meet on Saturday at the University Club at Arlington.
 
The men's team swept the top six spots for a perfect score of 15. The first five Colonels finished the 6K race in a pack – sophomore Keeton Thornsberry (18:58.33), redshirt sophomore James Sugira (18:58.56), freshman Charles Kipchumba (18:58.82), junior Ahmed Jaziri (18:59.17) and junior Joan Tapias (18:59.39).
 
Junior Jackson Siddall was not far behind in sixth place with a time of 19:22.0. Sophomore Nikodem Dworczak placed 10^th out of 17 competitors in 19:58.0.
 
The women's team was able to edge Morehead State, 27-29. Several key women did not compete on Saturday after racing at the indoor track opener a week ago.
 
Redshirt sophomore Laura Taborda ran away from the field, covering the 4K course in a time of 14:47.0 and beating her nearest competitor by 31 seconds.
 
Senior Alicia Minczuk was second in a time of 15:18.0, followed by sophomore Katy Chapman (sixth / 15:49.0), senior Olivia Schoenherr (seventh / 15:50) and sophomore Abbie Schoenherr (16:16.0).
 
Senior Haley Holbrook placed 12^th in a time of 16:21.0.
 
The cross country teams return to action at the FSU Winter XC Classic in Tallahassee, Florida on Friday, February 5.