NASHVILLE – Austin Peay State University men's and women's cross country teams competed in its first meet of the 2016 season, Saturday, placing sixth and fifth, respectively, at the Belmont Opener.

On the men's side, the Bruins won the event, followed by Lipscomb, Chattanooga, Vanderbilt, Murray State, Austin Peay and Tennessee State. The Govs were led by freshman Tyler Smith (42nd, 16:11.8), followed closely by senior Daniel Hamm (44th, 16.13.1). Newcomer Hezron Kiptoo placed 56th (16.30.9), senior Kyle Harmon finished 67th (16:59.8), junior Nick Piskor in 79th (17:28.6) and freshmen Nash Young (17:54.0) and Andrew Abel (18:03.5) finished 85th and 86th.

Three members of the men's team – Martin Rejman, Wesley Gray and Logan Augspurger – did not compete on Saturday.

"The first meet is a starting point to reflect on moving forward," head coach Doug Molnar said. "It's exciting to see Tyler lead the team in his first meet. Our guys are in a good position, and we could have a different No. 1 each week."

In the women's run, Vanderbilt finished first, followed by Lipscomb, Belmont, Murray State, Austin Peay and Tennessee State. The duo of Sarah-Emily Woodward (20:32.1) and Becca Wheeler (20:33.2) paced the Governors in 60th and 61st places. Just behind them were Sarah Carpenter (71st, 21:17.8) and Unjala Lester (77th, 22:54.4). Hanna Wise placed 83rd with a time of 26:08.5.

"This was Becca's first meet while healthy in over a year," Molnar said. "I'm looking forward to watching this group improve in each event."

Next up on Austin Peay's schedule will be the Powerade Invite, held Sept. 9 in Chattanooga.