NASHVILLE - Austin Peay State University men's cross country team ran into a talented field, finishing ninth among collegiate teams at the Belmont Opener, Friday night, at Percy Warner Park.

The men's race featured six teams ranked regionally by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, including Kentucky which won the men's four-kilometer event with five runners in the top 20. Kentucky's Luis Orta won the meet with a time of 15:22.40.

Senior Boniface Yator led the Govs effort with a 29th-place finish, completing the course in 16:17.99. Junior Geofrey Kosgei finished 39th with a time of 16:31.15.

Other Governors runners competing Friday were junior Konnor Kessler (62nd, 17:04.26), sophomore Genaro Martinez (86th, 18:09.45), sophomore Tyler Kepley (88th, 18:18.30) and freshman David Frattarelli (94th, 19:11.08).

"I thought the men's team ran a solid race," said Govs head coach Doug Molnar. "We went out and did what we had to do. We competed very well and we'll get better from here. Boniface really finished strong the second half of the race and that's a good sign for his season. This gives us a starting point for the rest of the season."

The Govs return to action in one week at the Fleet Feet Sports/Earl Jacoby Memorial hosted by Alabama-Huntsville, next Saturday.

-AP-