SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word men's cross country team placed third of 11 teams at the UIW Invitational on Saturday morning, doing so behind a team total of 61 points and a cumulative time of 41:50.56.

The Cardinals have now opened the season with back-to-back home meets, with Saturday's 8K taking place at Windcrest Golf Course.
 
Texas A&M International (42 points) took home the team title, with freshman Shamil Kiprono (25:06) earning the individual crown.
 
Sophomore Christian Castro-Cruz led the way individually for UIW, picking up eighth place with a mark of 25:45. Teammates Ethan Malesich (25:49) and James Butler (25:51) finished within two seconds of one another and claimed 10th and 12th respectively.
 
Senior Jared Laverty posted a time of 26:19 to take 15th, one spot ahead of teammate Anthony Zapata (26:21), who rounded out the scoring for the Cardinals. UIW finished with five of the top 16 individuals, helping the Cardinals to produce their second straight top-three finish to start the year.
 
UIW will look to continue the early momentum on September 26, when it heads to Lake Charles, La. to take part in the Southland Pre-Conference Meet.