The Morehead State men’s cross-country team continues to search for a formula to beat Ohio Valley Conference rival Eastern Kentucky. The Eagle harriers were nipped again by the Colonels at Friday’s Eastern Kentucky Invitational at Arlington Golf Course.

Eastern claimed the top three spots individually and the team title. Morehead State finished 18 points behind the OVC foe. Leading the way for MSU was sophomore Josh Sheets, who controlled the pace for most of the 8,000-meter competition. Sheets ran a personal-best 25:58 and finished fourth. “I knew I could go and run out front with Eastern’s runners,” Sheets said. “I have to hold on a little better at the conference championship.” Sheets said he planned on using the same race strategy in next weeks Ohio Valley Conference Championships. The Eagles next finisher was sophomore James Clements, who finished the course in 26:15 and in sixth place. Rounding out the Morehead top-five were freshman Adam Stanley (26:44/ 8th place), Vic McHenry (26:46/10th place) and Jose Solis (26:56/12th place).

The Morehead State women finished third out of six teams at the competition. Senior Karen Lutes crossed the tape in third place. Lutes time of 17:42 was her best performance of the year. Sophomore Alessa Velez was 10th in a time of 18:36. Rounding out the MSU top-five were freshman Sarah McClellan (18:41/12th place), Aubrey Walker (19:15/15th place) and Melissa Myers (21:47/23rd place). “I am feeling pretty good about my season up to this point,” Walker said, who has been a regular in the Eagles top-five this season. “We are continuing to train hard and get ready for the OVC Championships.” Both squads travel to Murray, Ky next weekend for the conference championships.