BOONE, N.C. -- Appalachian State women's cross country placed fourth out of 15 teams at the Blue Ridge Open held Friday at the Don Kennedy Trail at State Farm.

Duke University, with five runners in the top seven including overall winner Carly Seymour (17:18.07), easily outdistanced Virginia Tech and UNC-Wilmington to take home first place.

The Mountaineers were led by freshman Brittney Caudle who finished fourth overall with a season best time of 17:40.38 on the 5k course. Caudle also established a new school record for a freshman in the 5k, topping Mary Jayne Harrelson's mark set in 1996. Junior Dani Reese was the next highest finisher for the Apps, posting a new personal best time of 19:13.37 which placed 38th overall. Junior Amy Neilson placed 51st with a time of 19:28.01, and sophomore Stephanie Chapman came in 52nd with a time of 19:28.44.

Appalachian will have two weeks off before traveling to Elon, N.C. to compete in the SoCon Championships October 31.