NEW CASTLE, Del.--The Hood College men's and women's cross country teams placed second and third, respectively, Saturday at the Wilmington University Invitational.

Saturday's race, which was arguably the most impressive team exhibition for the Hood men to date, marked the first time that both the men's and women's squads garnered team plaques at the same meet.

Junior Nick Manning was Hood's top finisher in the men's race, finishing in fourth place in the individual competition. Three other Blazers earned medals for placing in the top 15, including senior Faraz Shoai (seventh), sophomore William Andrews (ninth) and sophomore Blair Ames (11th). Senior Steve Delaney, who ran in his program-record 25th cross country race, finished 19th to round out Hood's top five. In the team competition, host Wilmington, a Division II school, outdistanced Hood by just four points.

In the women's race, junior Danielle Sgro crossed the tape first for the Blazers in sixth place overall. Freshman Lauren Smith took ninth, senior April Penn was 16th, sophomore Jen Willison placed 18th and junior Katie Thomas finished 19th to comprise Hood's top five.

Hood returns to action next Saturday at the Salisbury University Tidewater Classic at 10 a.m.