HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women's cross country team placed second at the 2026 Tiger Open with 51 points in the 5K at their home course.

Emma Weiner led the Tigers, placing fourth with a time of 18:16.3. Janae Fugitt followed with an 11th-place finish in 18:46.0, while Margaret Browning placed 16th in 18:49.5.
Madelynn Nichols finished 18th with a time of 18:54.5, followed by Esther Clark-Pavlovich in 21st at 19:02.5 to round out the Tigers' top five. Madelyn Russell added a 25th-place finish in 19:10.3, while Keziah Bachman finished 26th in 19:11.9.

Jacee Deges placed 30th with a time of 19:14.2, followed by Elsie Rickstrew in 40th at 19:37.7 and Brenna Murphy in 41st at 19:41.7. Eva Cortes rounded out the Fort Hays State lineup, placing 83rd in 21:56.3.

Ashara Frater of Hutchinson Community College claimed the individual title at the 2026 FHSU Tiger Open, crossing the finish line in 17:37.7 in the women's 5K. Colorado School of Mines captured the team title with 36 points, placing eight runners among the top 20 finishers.

The Tigers will return to action Saturday, Oct. 24, traveling to St. Joseph, Mo., for the MWSU Conference Preview. The women's 5k is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. with the men's 8k following at 10:45.
 
Fort Hays State Women's Results (5K)
2nd – Fort Hays State – 51 points
4th – Emma Weiner – 18:16.3
11th – Janae Fugitt – 18:46.0
16th – Margaret Browning – 18:49.5
18th – Madelynn Nichols – 18:54.5
21st – Esther Clark-Pavlovich – 19:02.5
25th – Madelyn Russell – 19:10.3
26th – Keziah Bachman – 19:11.9
30th – Jacee Deges – 19:14.2
40th – Elsie Rickstrew – 19:37.7
41st – Brenna Murphy – 19:41.7
83rd – Eva Cortes – 21:56.3