MUNCIE, Ind. - The University of Toledo men's and women's cross country teams made it a clean sweep at the We Fly MAC Championship Preview in Muncie, Ind. on Saturday. The men finished ahead of Akron and Kent State, while the women topped Akron, host Ball State and Kent State.

The meet took place at the Ball State Cross Country Course, which will host the MAC Championship meet on Nov. 2.

The women won despite holding out most of their top runners. Junior Bailey Ranta led the way with a time of 22:28.6 to take third place on the 6K course. Bella Earl  (4^th/22:37.7), Jaydon Cirincione (6^th/22:58.0), Aubrey Duhaime (8^th/23:06.0) and Olivia Gang (10^th/23:32.6) rounded out the scoring for the Rockets.

"Today was a great opportunity for some of our athletes who don't normally get a chance to score in our top five to do so. Winning the meet was a great bonus for them," said Head Coach Andrea Grove-McDonough. "It was very hot, very tough conditions. Bailey and Jayden showed why they have been scorers for us before and they're gaining fitness as they work to get back into the championship lineup. It was also a great debut for Bella Earl, who ran in her first cross country race in a Toledo uniform."

The men were led by Dominic Serem (23:26.1), Joad Martinho (24.13.8) and Loann Brelivet (24:57.6), who took 1-2-4, respectively, in the 8K race. Toledo's top runner, Dennis Mutai, the 2023 MAC individual champion, did not compete in the meet.

"Today was a productive day, taking the team win and a chance to preview the MAC Championship course," said Associate Head Coach Tito Medrano. "I was happy for Dominic taking his first collegiate cross country win and Joad showcasing what he is capable of. All in all, we will keep our heads down and continue working the next couple months."

Toledo's next race is at the Loyola Lakefront Invitational in Chicago, Ill. on Friday, Oct. 4.
 
We Fly MAC Championship Preview
Muncie, Ind. | Saturday, Sept. 14

Women's 6K
Team Scores
1. Toledo - 31
2. Akron – 32
3. Ball State – 61
4. Kent State - 108

Toledo Individuals
3. Bailey Ranta – 22:28.6
4. Bella Earl – 22:37.7
6. Jaydon Cirincione – 22:58.0
8. Aubrey Duhaime – 23:06.0
10. Olivia Gang – 23:32.6
20. Ella Kurto – 24:34.6
23. Margrett Watt – 24:56.5
 
Men's 8K
Team Scores
1. Toledo-22
2. Akron-54          
3. Kent State-60

Toledo Individuals
1. Dominic Serem – 23:26.1
2. Joad Martinho – 24.13.8
4. Loann Brelivet – 24:57.6
7. Joshuah Taylor- 25:37.6
8. Max Matolin – 26:32.3
9. Alex Martinez – 26:43.1
10. Geoff Howles - 26:46.7
11. Peter McMahon - 26:55.0
15. Sean Smith - 27:14.9
17. Abi Yohaness - 27:44.8
25. Tesfaye Young - 28:45.4