(Holland, Mich.) The Cornerstone Women's Cross Country team opened the 2009 season at the Vanderbilt Invitational, hosted by Hope College.

Andi Ripley led the Golden Eagles, running ten seconds faster than her winning time from 2008 and tying her collegiate best, 19:14. With Grand Valley State adding depth and quality to the field, Andi's time was good for tenth place. Senior, Nicki Erler led the next group of CU runners talking 20^th in 20:18, just ahead of Janelle Lindman (22^nd / 20:22) and Melissa Sawicki (23^rd / 20:25). Senior, Janey Sluka guided freshmen Audry Yonge and Julia Contreras around the course, with Yonge pulling away in the last mile to finish 29^th in 20:51. Sluka was 29^th in 21:14 with Contreras seven seconds behind (30^th / 21:21).

GVSU was one point away from a shutout, winning with 16 points. Cornerstone took fourth with 101 points behind Hope with 58 and Ferris State at 79.