The Montana State University-Northern cross-country teams opened the 2026 season Friday evening at the MSU Bobcat Twilight Invite, with both the men's and women's teams competing against a strong field of Montana programs.

The Northern women placed seventh as a team in the 5K, posting a team score of 179 with an average time of 22:48.7. The Skylights were led by Emerson Kinsella who finished 42 overall in a time of 21:02.8. Northern's scoring lineup also included Elizabeth DeVries (21:45.1),
Deserae Toombs (22:36.6), and Neva Lowe (22:58).

On the men's side, Northern finished ninth with a team score of 271 and an average time of 19:19.6. Donovan Archambault paced the Lights, finishing 56 overall in 17:15.7, followed by Noah Mitchell (19:18.8), Jacob Nurns (19:59), and Luke Harper (19:59.3)

The meet provided Northern with its first opportunity to test itself against several regional opponents as Northern begin the 2026 campaign. The Lights and Skylights won both team competitions, with the Bobcat men scoring 19 points and the women scoring 15.

Northern will head to the Missoula Open on September 18.