The South Dakota State University women’s cross country team beat NCC rival University of Nebraska-Omaha 21 to 36 Friday at the Jackrabbit Invite.

Sheena Dauer continued her winning ways, taking first in 18:05. She was followed by Erin Woolley (18:22) and Krystie Ratzlaff (18:53).

Rounding out the top seven for the Jackrabbits were Alyssa Ruedebusch (19:23), Erin Foss (19:28), Kara Lucas (19:37), and Megan Poppens (19:40).

Head coach Paul Danger said that many teams in the NCC take this weekend off, but he feels it is important to run a meet at this point of the season.

“This is the time when you want your team to be looking forward to racing as well as they can with every opportunity,” Danger said.

The men’s team, who traditionally runs eight-kilometer or 10-kilometer races, ran a five kilometer race.

“The race serves as a fast tune-up race as we head towards the region championships,” Danger said. “By running a shorter distance, it helps the runners focus on getting out to a fast start, much like we will need at regions.”

The men’s race was an intrasquad event, pitting SDSU Blue against SDSU Yellow.

Brad Lowery took the individual victory in 15:02. He was followed closely by Kevin Doe (15:08).

Other usual front runners, Greg Darbyshire (15:27) and Matt Pearson (15:32), took the next two places respectively.

Rounding out the top seven were Kevin Bjerke (15:55), Andy Blau (15:57), and Mike Pecha (16:04).

Danger is pleased with where the teams are at heading into regions.

“Both the teams have a lot of depth now,” he said.

“The runners have been shifting positions all season long. This depth and shifting of places will prove vital to our ability to perform well at regions.”

The regional championships take place Nov. 9, in Hays, Kansas.