ROCHESTER, Mich. (8/29/2025) -- Graduate senior Nina Pizzo was runner-up to lead three Titans in the top 10 as the University of Detroit Mercy women's cross country team started the year at the Golden Grizzly Open on Friday. 

No team score was kept, but UDM would also end with five runners in the top 14 and seven in the top 20, which included a couple of personal records in the 5k affair. 

Pizzo battled in the front right from the start and finished second in 18:53 just six seconds shy of her career 5k time. The runner-up mark was the best at Oakland's opening meet since Louisa Coppola '14 won the race in 2013.  

Meanwhile, senior Claire Hunt posted a monster PR of 50 seconds as she was in the front pack throughout the meet, taking fourth with a time of 19:04.

Junior Helana Napiorkowski rounded out the top 10, claiming 10th in 19:27. Junior Alaina Burns recorded a career mark by 14 seconds, finishing 13th in 19:41, and senior Ayva Schmaltz was just behind her earning 14th clocking 19:41. 

Sophomore Kirsten Koss placed 16th in 19:49, and freshman Addie Stanley made her collegiate debut with a 19th-place effort in 20:12.

The Titans will continue their training and next compete at Notre Dame's National Catholic Championships on Sept. 19.