FORT MYERS, Fla – The Florida Gulf Coast University women's cross country team opened its 2005 season with a third place finish at the Saint Leo Invitational 5-K at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City on Friday night.

Tampa placed its five top runners in the top-nine to take home the team title. Florida Southern had five runners in the top-12 to finish second. FGCU outdistanced Rollins College to place third, its second highest team finish in school history. The Eagles were second in this event in 2004.

Junior Katy Steffan led a contingent of five Eagles in the top-22 with a 13th place finish (20:52). Right behind was sophomore Cadie Sly in 14th (20:56). Freshman April Ward was third for FGCU in 18th overall (21:37). Junior Lindsey Garven ran 21st (22:55) while freshman Cindy Watson was 22nd (23:18) to complete the Eagles team scoring.

Freshman Lyndsey Kelly placed 25th (23:26) while freshman Marie Scarpantonio was 26th (23:28).

Allison Mascas of Tampa completed the course in 17:51 to take individual honors. Jael Koch and Rachel Anderson of Florida Southern were second and third, respectively.

FGCU will compete next weekend in the Florida Tech Invitational at Wickham Park in Melbourne, Fla.