BOONE, N.C. -- Appalachian State men's cross country placed third out of 19 teams at the Blue Ridge Open held Friday at the Don Kennedy Trail at State Farm.

High Point University, with two runners in the top ten including seventh place finsher Neal Darmody (25:15.25), narrowly outdistanced Davidson and ASU to take home first place.

The Mountaineers were led by sophomore Sean Soderman who finished tenth overall with a time of 25:28.42 on the 8k course. Senior Josh Houser was the next highest finisher for the Apps, posting time of 25:35.71 which placed 13th overall. Freshman Burk Staub placed 24th with a time of 25:51.59, and senior Mike Walker came in 29th with a time of 26:00.39.

Appalachian will have two weeks off before traveling to Elon, N.C. to compete for their fifth consecutive SoCon title.