DOVER, Fla. - The Embry-Riddle Women's Cross Country team opened up the 2011 slate with a third-place showing at the UT Early Bird Classic on Friday, tying their best-ever finish at the event. The NAIA 18th-ranked Eagles finished ahead of NCAA I Central Florida, and seven NCAA II schools.

Sophomore Ellie Staker paced the Eagle harriers with a 15th-place finish in a time of 19:37 at the 5K event. Staker was followed closely by junior Karina Coelho (19:57) and newcomer's Rebecca Love (20:04), Lauren Eschbach (20:17) and Bailey Eaton (20:19). The trio of Love, Eschbach and Eaton are all freshmen who made their collegiate debut at the Early Bird Classic. Junior Nicole Bonk (20:23) and senior Baleigh Hyatt (20:40) rounded out the ERAU team.

Head Coach Mike Rosolino's squad had a total time of 1:40.14, and just 42 seconds separated the Blue and Gold's top finisher with its' fifth best finisher.

NCAA I South Florida placed first overall, claiming the top three spots, as well as the eighth and 10th en route to a 1:32.55 total time. Host Tampa (NCAA II) placed second overall in 1:37.24, while Embry-Riddle, Nova Southeastern and UCF were the remaining top-five teams.

The Eagles will be back in action next Friday (Sept. 9) at the USF Invitational in Tampa, Fla.