SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Though the Augustana men's and women's cross country teams competed at separate meets, they came away with the same team result.

The men's team competed at the Chili Pepper Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark. and finished in third in the College Division. The women's team ran at the SDSU Classic in Brookings, S.D. and finished third overall, behind two Division I teams.

Glen Ellingson was the top finisher for the third consecutive meet for the Vikings. Ellingson finished in eighth with a time of 24:19.4. Keegan Carda (19th), Nathan Hauge (23rd), Jesus Urtusuastegui (30th) and John Klecker (31st) rounded out the scoring for Augustana.

"I thought our men had a strong performance today in a large championship style field," head coach Tracy Hellman said of his men's team. "We had goals of a positive start and a strong team finish.  I felt we beat some good teams and it was a good measuring point.  What we do from here is the key. It's eight weeks until the national championships and I know our men can make some great improvements"

The No. 6 men's team garnered 111 points in their third place finish. They finished behind No. 1 Colorado School of Mines (62 points) and No. 11 CSU-Pueblo (90 points).

The women's team was paced by Mackenzie Kelly and Alana Sesow, who took second and third in the College Division, respectively. Kelly ran the 5k course in 18:45.78 and Sesow completed it 18:47.24. Rounding out the Augustana scoring was Rebekah Rairdon (8th), Amanda Nelson (10th) and Cassidy Soli (11th).

"The women ran well considering they had such a long layoff from racing," assistant coach Scott Tanis said about his women's team. "Being their first race in four weeks, we were a bit rusty but still showed positive signs. Today was a good building block as we continue with the season and I know they're excited to test themselves again next week."

The No. 13 women's team came first in the College Division with 34 points beating the second place team by 55 points. Overall Augustana took third finishing behind South Dakota State and North Dakota.

Both teams will compete in the Briar Cliff Invitational in McCook Lake, Iowa on Oct. 8.