SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – College of the Ozarks Cross Country turned in a strong showing at the Queen City After Dark meet, highlighted by senior Keena Goze and sophomore Nolyn Corder leading the Lady Cats and Bobcats, respectively.

Goze paced the College of the Ozarks women with an impressive performance, completing the 5K course in 18:44 to finish 16th overall. Junior Emilie Zylstra was the next Lady Cat across the line, finishing 39th overall in 19:39, while fellow junior Tia Bethards followed closely behind in 40th with a time of 19:42.

Freshmen Khloe Clemence and Ella Howard rounded out the Lady Cats' five scoring runners. Clemence crossed the finish line in 20:03, placing 49th overall, while Howard finished 56th in 20:10.

The Lady Cats also received contributions from Meliah Copley (21:53), Emma Dixon (22:35), Aryssa Speights (22:41), Gracie Vestal (23:04) and Acacia Sorenson (23:05).

On the men's side, Corder led the Bobcats with a standout race, finishing 21st overall with a time of 19:10. Junior Carson Knight was the second Bobcat to finish, recording a time of 20:14, while freshman Landon Jones followed just nine seconds later at 20:23.

Freshman Cody Henderson added a time of 20:46, and sophomore Ethan Howard completed the Bobcats' scoring five with a time of 21:40.

Michael Kincaid finished in 21:59, followed by Trayden Bailey at 22:06, Nate Van Foeken at 22:47 and Brady Rose at 24:54.

College of the Ozarks featured a young lineup throughout the evening, with eight freshmen competing between the men's and women's teams. The Queen City After Dark provided another opportunity for both squads to gain valuable racing experience as they continue building toward the heart of the cross country season.

The Bobcats and Lady Cats will travel to Joplin Missouri to compete in the Missouri Southern Stampede this Saturday, September 19.