Salisbury, NC-The Salem College cross country team finished in fifth place at the Catawba Invitational 5K today. Stephanie Verdi finished in 12th place to lead the Spirits. Salem defeated Tusculum, Chowan, and Warren Wilson in the meet.

Verdi ran the race in 21:59. Audrey Wierda was the second Spirit across the finish line in 30th place (23:48). Cristi Magracia was third for Salem and 33rd overall (24:00). Tali Schroeder and Amanda Johnson rounded out the top five for the Spirits.

Salem returns to action next weekend at Barton College in Wilson, NC.