The Hatter women saw five runners finish in under 20 minutes en route to a third place finish in the 5K race, while the Hatter men placed fourth overall in the 8K race.

The demanding week of practice started on Labor Day when both teams traveled to New Smyrna Beach for some strenuous training activities.

"We went to the beach and did a workout on the bridge, which is something we don't usually do," said senior Adrienne DeVita, who placed 10th among all runners Saturday. "I think it was positive, because doing hill workouts always helps."

"We also had a good team day at the beach afterwards," sophomore Rachel Frankenberger added.

The extra effort paid off as DeVita (19:20), Frankenberger (19:25), Rachel Dumas (19:25), and Clarissa Consol (19:29) all finished in under 19:30, and Jessica Cosgrove came in at 19:51 to give the Hatters five runners below 20 minutes.

"They looked good, they ran well together, and they went out there with a mission and accomplished it," Matuszczak said about the women's team. "To have four sub-19:30 and five sub-20:00 times, we are getting closer to our end of the year goal. I am excited about that."

Also for Stetson, Brianne Boldrin finished with a time of 20:12, Catherine Hessler finished with a time of 20:40, Malina Morales finished with a time of 20:44, and Laurie Scott finished with a time of 20:47.

The Hatter men also had a strong week, as Joe Beery led the squad and placed ninth overall with a time of 27:37. Also for Stetson, Brendan Hessler placed 21st with a time of 29:01, Andrew Townes placed 25th with a time of 29:27, Ryan Hodgins placed 27th with a time of 29:41, Matthew Babikow placed 29th with a time of 29:58, Ricky Cupoli placed 31st with a time of 30:49, Austyn Finnk placed 32nd with a time of 31:25, and Ryan Newfrock placed 32nd with a time of 31:47.

"On the guy's side, they ran good races, a lot better than what we did last week, so we are moving in the right direction," Matuszczak said. "We put in a solid effort this week. All-in-all, I am very pleased."

Stetson will compete at the UF Mountain Dew Invitational next Saturday in Gainesville. 

Stetson Men
9. Joe Beery 27:37.70
21. Brendan Hessler 29:01.90
25. Andrew Townes 29:27.60
27. Ryan Hodgins 29:41.30
29. Matthew Babikow 29:58.30
31. Ricky Cupoli 30:49.90
32. Austyn Finnk 31:25.50
33. Ryan Newfrock 31:47.40 

Stetson Women
10. Adrienne DeVita 19:20.67
12. Rachel Dumas 19:25.01
13. Rachel Frankenberger 19:25.73
14. Clarissa Consol 19:29.11
18. Jessica Cosgrove 19:51.41
23. Brianne Boldrin 20:12.72
31. Catherine Hessler 20:40.76
32. Malina Morales 20:44.42
33. Laurie Scott 20:47.39

Team Results-Men Division I
1. South Florida 28
2. FIU 68
3. Florida Atlantic 72
4. Stetson 103
5. Bethune-Cookman 109

Team Results-Women Division I
1. South Florida 31
2. UCF 40
3. Stetson 62
4. Bethune-Cookman 113
5. Florida Atlantic 149
6. FIU 153