TACOMA, Wash. — The Saint Martin's Cross Country program competed in its second meet of the 2026 season, taking part in the PLU Invitational on Saturday, September 19.

The Saints scored 157 points to finish sixth out of seven on the men's side, and scored 286 points on the women's side to place 11th out of 19 teams.

How It Happened - Women's 6k

• Kekaimalino Halpern led the Saints with a ninth-place finish, clocking in at 22:32.9, a career-best time in the 6k.
• Violet Dixon was the Saints' next finisher, placing 65th with a time of 24:18.8.
• Samantha Schweppe clocked in at 25:16.4 to place 89th.
• Kadence Merritt (25:56.3) placed 105th and Taylor Ames (26:21.8) placed 117th. Charis Deitemeyer placed 122nd with a time of 26:35.1.

How It Happened - Men's 8k

• Ryan Koenninger led the way for the Saints, placing 19th overall with a time of 26:12.5.
• Noe Ortega was next for the Saints, clocking in at 26:44.2 to place 32nd.
• Matthias White (27:01.4) placed 45th, and Jake Beck (27:06.4) was just behind in 47th.
• Ethan Coon placed 60th with a time of 27:36.4.

Up Next
The Saints will be back in action next week, competing in the Bill Roe Classic in Ferndale, Washington on Sept. 26.