DALLAS, PA -- The University of Scranton women's cross country team opened their season strong with a third-place team finish, scoring 86 points at the Misericordia Invitational on Friday night, paced by a standout performance from senior Emily Hopkins.

Hopkins led the Royals with an impressive 5th-place overall finish in the individual standings, clocking a time of 15:33.70. Her performance helped the Royals notch a cumulative team time of 1:24:30.80, averaging 16:54.20 per runner.

Scranton's top five was rounded out by:

• Helen Socorso (15th – 16:47.60)

• Paige Barnett (16th – 16:52.70)

• Ayla Andrews (24th – 17:24.50)

• Maria Viola (26th – 17:52.50)

Scranton will return to action on Friday, September 5 at the Drew Preview.