LAMPASAS, Texas — A season opener intended to shake off the rust became an immediate test of footing and composure for St. Edward's women's cross country team. Rain soaked the Floyd Farms course, turning its hills and trails muddy as a Hilltopper roster featuring five newcomers raced together for the first time.

Freshman ABIGAIL PINON finished sixth overall in her collegiate debut to lead St. Edward's to second place. The Hilltoppers scored 43 points, trailing only Division I Texas and finishing 36 points ahead of Lone Star Conference opponent Angelo State.

"I think No. 1, it's just a rust-buster—giving a lot of these young kids a chance to compete in college and kind of get their feet wet," Rathke said. "No pun intended out here with the rain going on. The course conditions were definitely tough. You had mud all throughout and whatnot, but they competed. It was a great meet to get them settled in."

Pinon navigated the 5K course in 20:04.8, finishing behind only five Texas runners and placing first among the non-Division I competition.

"Abi had an awesome race today as a freshman in her first collegiate race, stepping up there and running against some good competition," Rathke said. "I'm really excited for that."

The Hilltoppers packed closely behind her. VICTORIA HOYT finished seventh in 20:25.1, followed by Adriana Rodriguez in eighth at 20:36.9. Sophomore transfer BRIANNE VASQUEZ completed her St. Edward's debut in 10th place with a time of 20:46.5, giving the Hilltoppers four runners among the top 10.

Freshman EMMELINE SHAW closed the scoring in 12th place, finishing in 21:16.3. St. Edward's five scoring runners crossed within 1:11.5 of one another.

"Victoria had a great race today as well," Rathke said. "I was really, really pleased with that group overall."

Julia Gainar followed in 14th place with a time of 21:58.5, while freshman AVA BRILEY finished her first collegiate race in 22:49.3 to place 19th.

With rain, mud and elevation slowing the field, Rathke placed little emphasis on the final times. The season opener was instead an opportunity for a rebuilt roster to experience racing together and establish a starting point for the work ahead.

"I even told them while they were finishing, 'Just relax,'" Rathke said. "I didn't even care if they made up a few seconds here and there. It was all about getting our feet under us today and having that race.

"It was a really tough course, and the conditions weren't the greatest, but overall, getting the work in and getting a race under our belt was really awesome."

The meet also introduced a newly developed course Rathke hopes can become a regular home for the Hilltoppers and eventually host postseason competition.

"I think it's an awesome spot and hopefully a place we can call home in the near future," Rathke said. "Hopefully, we can host a couple of meets here—maybe host a conference meet and even a regional meet in the future."

St. Edward's returns to competition Sept. 11 at the Texas A&M Invitational in College Station, where the Hilltoppers will trade Friday's mud and hills for a faster course and another opportunity to measure the progress of their new lineup.

"Next week, we'll get ready to rock and roll at A&M," Rathke said. "I'm excited for that one."