Nicky Black and Daniel Diaczyszyn were Mary Baldwin's top two finishers in the Fighting Squirrels' season-opening cross country meet at Bridgewater College Friday.

Black, the defending USA South champion, crossed the finish line 17th overall, covering the 4K course in 16:25.8.  Also running for MBU in the women's race was Ashley Bennett, who finished 66th in a personal best 19:47.1.

In the men's chase, Diaczyszyn posted a personal best time on the 6K course in 25:53 to lead the Fighting Squirrels.  Also competing for MBU were Tagee Groomes, who was 66th overall in his first collegiate race (27:23), and Brandon Jones, who placed 67th in 28:20.1.

MBU's next competition is Friday, Sept. 12, at Shenandoah University.