In their opening race at the Saints Twilight Invite in Channahon, IL, the women got off on the right foot, finishing 7th among 10 four- and two-year colleges and universities in the 5K event.

Typically the heat and humidity ramps up this time of year, adding an additional challenge to the race course. However, the Cyclones pushed through for some strong times.

"Annabel and Mariah were looking to start their season off faster than last year, and they did that. I was looking forward to seeing what the freshmen would do, and I'm pleased with how they handled themselves," said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas. "There are runners and there are racers. I learned that all five of those women are racers, which makes things very exciting!"

Desiree Mendoza had one of the best debuts in Moraine Valley's history, crossing the line first for the Cyclones in 30th place in 21:07.6. Annabel Lipkie (56th, 24:05.6), Mariah Karamagianis (59th, 24:16.8), Rylee Milenkovic (61st, 24:21.8) and Hannah Raimbault (68th, 24:45.7) stuck close together throughout this race.

"I'm looking forward to what else Desiree will accomplish this season. The other four were close to each other, and we'll need them to finish one after the other if we want success in the postseason," Dimizas said. "It was only the first meet, and we still have a lot of work to do, but the women started off the season on the right foot. I thought the heat and humidity would play a bigger role, but I'm glad to have been wrong about that."

View all the results here.

The Cyclones have a weekend off of racing before heading into four straight 6K competitions.