Both the Eastern men’s and women’s cross country teams picked up first-place finishes while hosting the EIU Spring Open Saturday.

It was the second meet of the season for the teams following a meet at Southeast Missouri on Jan. 23, where the men’s team finished third out of five teams and the women’s team finished fifth.

The three other teams competing in the meet Saturday were DePaul, Southeast Missouri and Saint Louis.

On the men’s side, Eastern held four of the top five spots.

Franky Romano finished first followed by Dustin Hatfield in second. Marcus Skinner and Adam Swanson came in fourth and fifth.

For the women’s team, Kate Bushue finished second and Maggie McPherson placed third, with Mackenzie Aldridge placing fifth, Avani Flanagan placing seventh and Kylie Decker placed ninth.

Each team will compete next on March 1 at the OVC Championship in Clarksville, Tennessee.

The Sports Staff can be reached at 581-2812 or densportsdesk@gmail.com.