The Georgia Southern University cross country team placed ninth at the Carolina Challenge tonight.

Freshman Ashton Lord placed in the top 50 at the event.

“We know there is work that we have to do with our team, and we saw a lot of things we have to improve on. It was so important to get this first competition. Today was a big part of the learning process for our team,” cross country coach Marlo Mincey said.

The Eagles will not compete again until Sep. 20 at the GSU Invitational.