JOPLIN, Mo. — The Pittsburg State University women's cross country squad made a strong 2023 season debut Friday (Sept. 15) by claiming the team title at the MSSU Stampede.
 
The Gorillas scored 71 points in the meet to edge the University of Tampa (73) by two points to claim the team crown. The host school, Missouri Southern State University, finished third with 85 points.
 
Freshman Paige Mullen led the Gorillas across the finish line in the five-kilometer race in 18 minutes, 11.52 seconds. Mullen placed ninth among individuals, 28 seconds behind race winner Bre Bell of Mississippi College.
 
Redshirt junior Kate Dawson followed closely behind Mullen in 10^th place in 18:12.03, while redshirt juniors Marissa Dick (18:25.75) and Claire Bruening (18:26.94) closed in 15^th and 16^th place, respectively. Freshman Hannah Gibson wrapped up Pitt State's scorers with a 21^st place finish in 18:36.42.
 
The Pitt State men finished 10th overall in the team standings with 324 points. East Central University won the meet with a low score of 38 points.
 
Redshirt sophomore Travis Sickles paced the Gorillas with a 26^th place finish in the eight-kilometer race in 26:29.52. Aspel Kiprob of East Central won the race in 24:56.21.
 
Redshirt freshman Jason Swartzlander placed second for the Gorillas in 62th scored position in 27:39.82.