ELON, N.C. – The Elon University cross country programs began their 2021 fall season with its second annual home meet, the "Friday Night Lights" Elon Opener on Friday, Sept. 3, at its home cross country course on the campus of Elon University.
 
Both teams were racing in their first meet since its unconventional spring season this past March, returning to its traditional fall campaign. In the women's 4K race, the Phoenix women was second overall with 37 points, losing out to intrastate rival Duke, who won the team title with 22 points.
 
In the men's 6K run, the Blue Devils completed the sweep with its win by scoring 20 points. East Carolina was second with 75 points followed by UNCG (84), Davidson (104) and Elon (153).
 
Women's Recap
• Maria Ahm was the leader for the Phoenix women, coming in fourth overall with her time of 13:48.6. She was followed in the top-five by junior Maggie Springer, who clocked a time of 13:51.2.
• Rookie Jette Beermann was the third runner to cross the finish line for Elon, coming in at eighth with a time of 14:01.8. Leandra Lorenz was also in the top-10 for the maroon and gold with a time of 14:07.1.
• Anna Twomey was 12^th to round out the top-five runners for the Phoenix. The junior came in with a time of 14:11.
 
Men's Recap
• Aidan Tierney paced the Phoenix men as the junior ran a time of 18:46.9 and was 16^th overall. Sophomore Zane Jackson came across the finish line next for the Phoenix, coming in at 29^th with a time of 19:11.7.
• Cameron Dunn (19:30.9) and freshman Daniel King (19:33.7) came in back-to-back to each other at 45^th and 46^th place, respectively.
• Christopher Lall was the fifth runner for Elon, placing 73^rd with a time of 20:38.6.
 
On Deck
The Phoenix travels to Boone, N.C., for the Firetower Project meet hosted by Appalachian State on Friday, Sept. 17. 
 
Women's Results – Elon 2^nd place (37 points)
4. Maria Ahm – 13:48.6
5. Maggie Springer – 13:51.2
8. Jette Beermann – 14:01.8
9. Leandra Lorenz – 14:07.1
12. Anna Twomey – 14:11.0
20. Hannah Preeo – 14:35.8
24. Hannah Miller – 14:44.9
31. Lizzie Vinci – 15:01.6
 
62. Audrey Durbin – 15:57.6
63. Alice Roberts – 16:01.6
78. Ashley Irby – 16:53.4
80. Bailey Reutinger – 17:02.2
 
Men's Results – Elon 5^th place (153 points)
16. Aidan Tierney – 18:46.9
29. Zane Jackson – 19:11.7
45. Cameron Dunn – 19:30.9
46. Daniel King – 19:33.7
73. Christopher Lall – 20:38.6
76. Anthony Bamford – 20:46.5
86. Martin Adams – 22:00.6