NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt cross country commenced the 2022 season at the Belmont Opener at Percy Warner Park on Friday morning. Paced by race winner Niki Narayani, the women’s team finished first overall, and the men finished second — led by newcomer Michael Schumacher.
In the five-kilometer race, the Vanderbilt women tallied 24 points behind the one-two finish by Narayani (18:00.88) and Ella Lambert (18:07.59). Vandy’s squad finished the race in less than 20 minutes as Caroline Eck (18:34.85) finished in sixth place, Julia Rosenberg (18:38.01) in seventh, Cameron Fawcett (18:39.68) in eighth, Jenna Holland (18:45.55) in ninth and Lainey Phelps (18:54.38) completing the race 11th overall.
The Vanderbilt women are currently ranked No. 6 in the South Region, according to a poll by U.S. Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association. The Dores finished ahead of Lipscomb, who is ranked seventh in the same region.
Schumacher’s pace of 15:44.61 placed him eighth overall on the day and championed Vanderbilt’s 50 points. Philip Metcalf (15:49.37), Zach Hodges (15:59.38), David Song (15:59.48) and Brody Haar (16:01.34) were the quartet of Dores that finished in tandem immediately following Schumacher. Dylan Ballard (16:36.60) and Max Beck (17:17.89) also competed for the Commodores.
The Vanderbilt men enter this season ranked No. 12 in the South Region by the USTFCCCA and finished ahead of Lipscomb, who stands sixth in the same poll.
Vanderbilt, Austin Peay, Alabama A&M, Belmont, Dalton State, Lipscomb, Murray State and Tennessee State all participated in the Belmont Opener. Complete results are available online.
Vanderbilt returns to action on Sept. 16 at the Coaching Tree Invitational hosted by Indiana in Bloomington, Indiana.
