MONMOUTH, Ore.  – The Beacon women returned to action on Friday, competing in Western Oregon University's Ash Creek Invitational.
 
Moving up from a 4000-meter race in their opener two weeks ago, the Beacons were at the 5K distance on Friday and finished the race in sixth-place.
 
Head Coach Kyle Will said, "Our team raced well today. We didn't place well but we had some solid competition. We train through these races and not for these races. This was a good workout and that is how I look at it. I don't ever put pressure to be at our best at these because we want to be our best in November. It is all part of the process."
 
Leading the way for the Beacons once again was senior Kaitlin Cook, taking 14th-place in the 64-woman field as she crossed the finish line in 20 minutes, 5.10 seconds. Marae Paggio followed in 28th place (21:02.43) while Cadence Smith took 36th (21:47.07). Rounding out the scoring for the Beacons were Mariah Anderson (47th, 22:44.32) and Jordan Lauinger (48th, 22:55.66).
 
Anna Stone came in 23:26.26 for 54th-place while Karlee Myers made her debut for the Beacons and took 58th (24:49.23). "For her first cross country race ever, Karlee did really well," added Will.
 
Next week the Beacons will face their first 6K of the season at the Cascade Collegiate Conference preview meet, taking place at Rose City Golf Course in Portland.