Junior transfer Kerry Hils’ victory helped Xavier post a first place finish over 15 teams in the Hanover Invitational on Saturday.

The Hanover Invitational was the season opener for Xavier’s men’s and women’s cross country teams. The Xavier women had eight finishers in the Top 25.

Hils ran away with the victory by posting a 19:24.25 to win by 21 seconds. Freshman Sarah Rodenbeck finished fifth in her first collegiate race with a time of 20:25.96. Sophmore Jennie Illig ran a personal best 20:29.00 beating her previous, one she set last year at the Hanover Invitational. Sophmore Patty Green finished ahead of Sophmore Molly Krumplebeck to claim tenth place. Freshman Jamie Wyckoff finished very well for her first race. Wyckoff finished infifteenth place. Seniors Jennifer Andressy and Natalie Lanese finished seconds after teammate Jamie Wyckoff.

The men’s team posted a fourth place finish out of 13 teams. Two freshman finished in the top ten. Drew LaMaster had a team best 27:47.75. Patrick Rischmann finished immediately after LaMaster to finish sixth with a time of 27:51.92. Junior Josh Masters performed wellby placing 27th. Sophmore Greg Dickman and Freshman Chris Tieke finished in the Toop 30.

Xavier races Saturday at the Bowling Green Invitational.