The MSU-Northern Cross Country teams traveled to Billings over the weekend to compete in the Yellowjacket/Battlin' Bear XC Open, hosted by Montana State Billings and Rocky Mountain College. The meet featured a strong field with both NAIA and NCAA Division II programs.

On the women's side, the Skylights finished with a team average of 26:58.4 in a field of 76 runners. Elizabeth DeVries led the way for Northern, placing 46th with a time of 26:23.5, followed closely by Emerson Kinsella in 47th at 26:25.7. Makaela Kelly crossed the line in 51st with a time of 26:53.5, while Kaitlyn Bancroft finished 55th at 27:23.7. Deserae Toombs rounded out the Skylight finishers in 57th, clocking 27:45.7.

On the men's side, the Lights competed among 103 runners in a deep field. James Stensland-Plymale continued to pace the team, finishing 27th with a time of 26:37.2. Donovan AimsBack came in 53rd at 27:58.1, while Wyatt Lowery placed 82nd with a time of 30:24.0. Decker Hanson rounded out the Northern squad, finishing 101st in 39:07.4.

The Lights and Skylights will return to action on October 24 in Glendive as they continue their fall season.