The College of DuPage women's cross country team finished fifth at the Spartan Classic on Sept. 12, recording the highest finish among junior college programs while topping Illinois Valley and Sauk Valley.

Nicole Jarek led the Chaps with a 24th-place finish in 28:14.1, followed by Fatima Moreno in 25th at 28:29.4. Makena Brown finished 37th in 30:55.7, Olivia Jarek placed 50th in 33:18.9 and Adalyn Bylsma rounded out the scoring group in 53rd at 34:05.4.

The race marked the first 6K competition for the entire group.

"Those that did race ran wonderfully for their first 6K ever," head coach Mallory Dominguez said. "No one in that group has ever raced this distance yet, and to do so on such a challenging course and go out with confidence was great. Fifth place and highest junior college finish, so a solid day overall."

The Chaps will continue their season Sept. 19 at the Dodds Invite in Warrenville.