GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Salem cross country team, led by third-place finisher Jessica Bailey, earned the team title among the NCAA Division III participants competing at the 36th annual Greensboro XC Invitational held at Hagan-Stone Park on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The Spirits, one of two complete teams taking part in the event along with Averett, brought home top honors by finishing with a combined time of 2:24:00.45 (29:48.09 avg.). Averett was just over two minutes off the pace with a combined time of 2:26:52.16.

Senior Jessica Bailey led the way for Salem, finishing third overall in a time of 23:01.63. Only Emory & Henry's Alette McGuire (21:40.67) and Pfeiffer's Alyson Hanlon (22:39.80) managed better times than Bailey.

Bailey has now posted consecutive top-five outings, following her fifth-place outing at the USA South Preview last week, and has been among the top-20 performers in every race for Salem this season.

Maria Ferrer posted the second-best time for the Spirits, crossing the line in 28:14.44, placing her 12th. She was followed in order by teammates Karen Romero Mendieta (29:45.28), RoyseAnn Day (31:00.94) and Mariana Rubio (31:58.16), giving the Spirits five Top-15 performances.

While Emory & Henry, Pfeiffer and the University of Lynchburg took part in the race they didn't have enough competitors to complete a five-person team.

The Spirits return to action in two weeks when they head to Salisbury to take part in the Livingstone Invitational on Friday, Oct. 11. For more information on Salem cross country check out www.salemspirits.com.