Ball State University Athletics
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Joe Piane Invitational
Cross Country Set For Two Season Debuts at Notre Dame's Joe Piane Invitational
September 30, 2026 | Cross Country
MUNCIE, Ind.— Ball State cross country will be further bolstered this week when two veterans return to the lineup for Notre Dame's Joe Piane Invitational at noon on Friday.
A strong start to the season saw the Cardinals land a regional ranking for the first time in nearly two years, and if that weren't enough of a confidence boost for the squad, two upperclassmen are set to return to the course this weekend. Junior Tori Jackson and senior Kendyl Thrasher make their season debuts in South Bend this Friday after missing the first two meets due to injury.
Last time out, it was sophomore Emily Decker and Kaitlyn Kauppila leading the way for Ball State at the George Dales Invite in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Freshmen Carla Rodriguez and Abra Mills were next across the line for the Cardinals in their first collegiate 6k, finishing just ahead of another sophomore in Sadey Seyferth—who set a new 6k personal best by over a minute.
Freshman Gemma Pusateri, senior Elaina Lahmers and freshman Ava Dickenson all crossed the finish within 41 seconds of each other, rounding out a Cardinal team that came home sixth out of 13 teams. Ball State looks to carry their stellar running into October.
A strong start to the season saw the Cardinals land a regional ranking for the first time in nearly two years, and if that weren't enough of a confidence boost for the squad, two upperclassmen are set to return to the course this weekend. Junior Tori Jackson and senior Kendyl Thrasher make their season debuts in South Bend this Friday after missing the first two meets due to injury.
Last time out, it was sophomore Emily Decker and Kaitlyn Kauppila leading the way for Ball State at the George Dales Invite in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Freshmen Carla Rodriguez and Abra Mills were next across the line for the Cardinals in their first collegiate 6k, finishing just ahead of another sophomore in Sadey Seyferth—who set a new 6k personal best by over a minute.
Freshman Gemma Pusateri, senior Elaina Lahmers and freshman Ava Dickenson all crossed the finish within 41 seconds of each other, rounding out a Cardinal team that came home sixth out of 13 teams. Ball State looks to carry their stellar running into October.
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