The WKU women’s cross country team opened its 2010 season on Friday with a runner-up finish in the Belmont Opener at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tenn.

The Lady Toppers finished second in the 11-team event — 57 points behind champion Vanderbilt.

“It was outstanding showing by the women’s team,” head cross country coach Erik Jenkins said. “We’re no way near where we want to be, but we have a group of girls that will work hard to succeed.”

Senior Marion Kandie led WKU with a time of 14:13.87 in the 4,000 meters, winning first place in the event.

“I did well,” Kandie said. “We need to work on our speed, but I was pleased overall.”

Senior Michelle Finn finished third in the 4,000 meters, clocking a time of 14:24.82. Women’s distance coach Michelle Murphy-Scott was pleased of the team’s second-place finish.

“We did very well,” Murphy-Scott said. “They did much better than I expected in their first meet.”

The men’s team opens its 2010 campaign Sept. 18 at home in the Old Timer Class at Kerieakes Park.