KERNSTOWN, Va. - The Shenandoah University cross country teams overcame both the oppressive heat and three opponents Wednesday to sweep its opening meet of the season at Kernstown Battlefield.

The SU women, led by junior Amy Smith, bested Hood and Mary Baldwin while the Hornet men had the top three finishers to down Hood College 21-35.

The No. 7 in the South Shenandoah women had 24 points, Hood 46 and Mary Baldwin 62 in that 5000 meter event.

Marymount competed in both races, but did not have a team score.

Smith posted a 21:34 to come in 24 seconds of Sophia Stone from Mary Baldwin. After Jessie Daley (Marymount) crossed in 22:02 for third, SU had five of the next seven finishers to capture the meet.

Senior Jennie Ott led this group with a 22:55, fourth place showing.

The Hornets 24 point total came from the first, third, fifth, seventh and eighth place finishes.

In the men's race, SU had four of the top six finishers and six in the top 10 to dominate over the 5000 meters.

Freshman Ryan Taylor and junior Josiah Renton came across together, winning with matching times of 18:27.  Jake Garcia, right on their heels, was third with a 18:29.  Christopher Clemons and Timothy Robinson rounded out the top 10 at No. 6 and 10, respectively.

The toughest opponent for all of the competitors was undoubtedly the heat, as temperatures stayed right around the 100 degree mark throughout the day.  The temperature got as hot as a steamy 106 degrees during the race.  A number of participants were unable to finish the race due to overheating, dehydration, or fainting.

Both the men's and women's squads will continue action this Saturday at the Salisbury Invitational.

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