MANHATTAN, Kan. The Kansas State cross country teams were back in action Friday evening as they hosted the Kansas Jayhawks for the third annual K-State/KU Dual meet at Warner Park. The women’s team ran away with first place, while the men placed second behind Jayhawks. In the three year history of the Dual it was the first time that the K-State women have captured first place.

Sophomore newcomer Beverly Ramos started her career as a Wildcat with her best foot forward by capturing first place with a 5K time of 18:23. Ramos’ time is the second-fastest women’s race in Dual history. Junior stand-out Liliani Mendez, who holds the women’s record from last year’s performance, placed second clocking in at 18:51 in her first meet of the season.

“Beverly and Liliani ran well together for a long time,” Coach Michael Smith said after the race. “They will continue to push each other in practice and in races. I expect them both to challenge to be in the top 15 in the Big 12 meet. Those are two very good runners.”

The men’s race was highlighted by the performances of junior Alex Umberger and junior Danny Schneider. Umberger led the Cats for the second time this season with a third place finish of 15:47 in the 5K race. Schneider placed fourth with a time of 15:56.

“Alex and Danny gave us a very good run today,” Smith said. “I was happy that they ran faster. I still think that they can get a little better but I know that when they get to eight kilometers next week that they are going to be much more competitive than they have ever been.”

Senior Colby Wissel of Kansas finished first in the men’s race for the third straight year with a time of 15:07.

Next week the Wildcats hit the road to Lincoln, Neb., to participate in the Woody Greeno Invitational on Sept. 15. The 6K race for the women and 8K race for the men will be hosted by the University of Nebraska.