SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Redshirt junior Alex Hooten produced an all-time top 10 performance in the 8k as Bellarmine University cross country competed Friday in Notre Dame's National Catholic Championships.

Hooten placed seventh in the men's race at Burke Golf Course & Cross Country Course, clocking a time of 24:20.5 that ranks ninth in program history. In addition, Hooten ascended from sixth to fourth on the 8k performance list.

Bellarmine's men placed eighth of 13 teams. Sophomore Jack Ballard (39th, 26:11.6) crossed the finish line after Hooten and was followed by sophomore Salah Farah (51st, 26:34.9), junior Jimmy Dillabaugh (53rd, 26:35.7) and junior Chase Austin (56th, 26:43.4) in the Knights' top five.

Senior Sierra Oesterling placed 26th (18:31.4) in the 5k race to pace Bellarmine's women, who finished 10th of 13. Sophomore Ginger Atzinger (61st, 20:15.6) followed Oesterling while redshirt senior Ellerie Heinzmann (80th, 20:54), junior Molly Moore (95th, 21:27.4) and senior Jansen Story (100th, 21:37.8) rounded out the Knights' top five.

Notre Dame swept the top team finishes in both races.

Bellarmine will compete Oct. 4 in the Swag's Louisville Classic at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park.

BELLARMINE'S MEN'S RESULTS (8k)
7. Alex Hooten 24:20.5, 39. Jack Ballard 26:11.6, 51. Salah Farah 26:34.9, 53. Jimmy Dillabaugh 26:35.7, 56. Chase Austin 26:43.4, 60. Jared Fairbanks 26:50.0, 63. Malcolm Robertson 26:51.1, 71. Jack Moutardier 27:06.8, 76. Buzz Christensen 27:14.9, 84. Landen Fernandez 27:24.8, 85. Ian Baker 27:21.1, 89. Nate Wheatley 27:32.3, 101. Sherjeel Khan 28:04.6

BELLARMINE WOMEN'S RESULTS (5k)
26. Sierra Oesterling 18:31.4, 61. Ginger Atzinger 20:15.6, 80. Ellerie Heinzmann 20:54, 95. Molly Moore 21:27.4, 100. Jansen Story 21:37.8, 104. Cassidy Gilbert 21:59, 109. Sarah Jacob 22:07.9, 112. Bella Scott 22:16.4

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