The Saint Mary's cross country team continues their season Saturday at the Calvin Invitational in Grand Rapids, Mich. The Calvin Invitational will mark the first 5k meet of the new season.
Head coach Jackie Bauters said the competition will be strong.
"The competition looks to be tight," Bauters said. "There will be a range of teams from NAIA, Division II, and ranked Division III programs in attendance."
The Belles will face tough opposition within their Great Lakes region from No. 2 Calvin, No. 3 Ohio Northern and No. 8 Baldwin Wallace. Solid NAIA members Cornerstone and Aquinas will also compete.
Despite the stiff competition, Bauters holds high expectations for the season.
"What I am hoping to see is that we get out and run our own race," Bauters said. "I believe the girls will perform well with the competition at hand."
Junior Julia Kenney also said it was necessary for the Belles to run their own race.
"We plan to go out there and race our race," Kenney said. "We look forward to competing well and getting everyone off to a strong start."
Bauters sees the Calvin Invitational as a chance to make a strong early impression.
"It would be great to have a strong finish among our regional opponents this early in the season," Bauters said. "It will also be helpful to size ourselves up and determine what we need to do to achieve our larger goals for the season."
While the meet brings tough competition, Kenney still maintains a positive outlook.
"Personally, this is one of my favorite races," Kenney said.
Saint Mary's will race at the Calvin Invitational on Saturday at 10 a.m.
Contact Walker Carey at wcarey@nd.edu
