Sophomore David Azari placed 10th overall to lead the GW men’s cross country team to a third-place finish at the Maryland Invitational. Freshman Mary Beth McCullough placed 19th to lead the women’s squad to a fourth-place finish.

It marks the second consecutive strong performance for the Colonials who last week placed second at the East Carolina Invitational. This strong finish should give the team a good bit of confidence as GW heads into conference championships next weekend.

Sophomore David Talbird dropped out of the race about three miles into it. Talbird said he hurt his ankle and wanted to rest it for the conference meet.

The Colonials placed third behind American, which won the tournament, and Maryland, which placed second.

Darrel Andruski ran a 26:59 for 13th overall. Freshman Tim Persico and Chris Zurich finished 18th and 19th.

On the women’s side, Jenee Peterson placed 20th overall by running a 20:19.

Maryland won the women’s race, followed by American and Towson University.