SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Belmont Abbey placed three runners in the top 30 to take sixth place of 16 teams running the non-Division I race at the 38th annual National Catholic Invitational. The event took place Friday afternoon at the Burke Golf Course on the campus of Notre Dame.

Hannah Zenker paced the Crusaders for the second straight race, covering the 5k course in 19:51.7. She finished 71st overall in the field of 202, but 17th among non-Division I runners. Julia Otranto was 22nd (78th overall), while Annie Hetzel placed 30th (93rd overall). Brette Linkenhoker crossed the line 53rd (137th overall) with a time of 21:57.9, four places ahead of Savannah Lamb (57th/145th/22:11.2).

Theresa Wilson and Jillian Culbertson added to the team efforts, holding places 73rd and 77th, respectively. Wilson turned in a time of 23:45.5 (169th overall), while Culbertson was clocked at 24:16.2 (173rd overall).

"Our goal was to finish in the top half of the respective divisions as a team," Head Coach Nick Radkewich said. "We had great efforts by the top five on both teams to finish strong and as a group under hot conditions. It was a national class field that will prepare us for the Conference Carolinas and NCAA Southeast Regional championships at the end of the season." 

Walsh took the team title with 22 points, compared to The Abbey's 179. Notre Dame, Marquette and St. Louis were the top three finishers on the Division I side.