MILL SPRING, N.C. — The Montreat College men's cross country team turned in a strong performance on Friday evening at the Tryon Western NC XC Showcase. Competing in its first 8k race of the season, the Cavaliers placed fifth among 14 teams, including six NCAA Division I programs.

Montreat totaled 134 points, finishing three points ahead of Mars Hill University and 14 points behind NCAA Division I Tennessee Tech University. Furman University claimed the team title with 38 points, winning the tiebreaker over Western Carolina University.

Freshman Angel Cruz continued his strong start to the season, securing fifth for the Cavs with a time of 26:07.6 in his first collegiate 8k. Ronald Way also posted a top-20 result, taking 13th in 26:27.0. Elijah Eppley followed in 18th with a time of 26:39.7.

Johann Brink was the fourth Cavalier across the line, taking 53rd in 27:41.7. Hunter Smathers rounded out Montreat's top five in 60th with a time of 27:57.8. The Maiden, N.C., native capped the Cavs' scoring effort in the 8k.

Conner Ford and Aidan Barkaway also competed for Montreat, with Ford taking 71st in 28:24.6 and Barkaway finishing 92nd in 29:56.8.

"Great effort on a course that ran pretty slow for the conditions today," said Head Coach Rylan Hincher. "We beat some good teams that beat us a few weeks ago. This team will be really good when we catch a break from the sickness and can run our full squad."

For full results from the Tryon Western NC XC Showcase, click here.

Montreat returns to competition on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Royals Cross Country Challenge, hosted by Queens University of Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C. The race is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m.