Eastern Washington University Sports Briefs

CROSS COUNTRY

Eastern finishes fifth in Big Sky

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Eastern Washington Cross Country team wrapped up its 2023 season with matching fifth-place finishes at the Big Sky Championships on a snowy Friday morning.

The Eagle women finished with 145 points, edging Sacramento State’s 154, while the men earned 156 points to come in ahead of the host Montana Grizzlies at 176. Top-ranked Northern Arizona won both races.

In the women’s 5K, the Eagles were led by Kaylin Sheley and Lilly Fetzer, who crossed the line together at 23rd and 24th place (18:17.40, 18:17.60). Nattie Ruzauskas came in at 32nd, Jasmin Muneton at 37th and Jenni Bissell at 39th.

Noah Hasselblad continued to lead the Eagle men in the 8K, finishing a team-best 20th at 24:51.80. Cam McChesney ran a strong race to cross at 26th (25:11.70), followed by Evan Peters at 34th (25:24.00), Austin Steed at 41st (25:40.80) and freshman Owen Higgins at 43rd (25:42.60).

FOOTBALL

Eagles fail to catch Portland

HILLSBORO, Ore. — The Eastern Washington defense couldn’t slow down the Portland State rushing attack Oct. 28, falling on the road, 47-35 in the Dam Cup rivalry game.

Viking running back Jobi Malary ran for 241 yards and 6 touchdowns, tying a PSU school record. Eastern running back Justice Jackson also had a career day, leading the Eagles with 126 yards and a score on 15 carries, while receiver Efton Chism III finished with 9 catches for 130 yards and 1 TD.

Eastern trailed 20-10 at the half and 27-13 at the end of the third quarter before a wild fourth that saw 39 combined points, two onside kick recoveries and multiple turnovers. The Eagles were unable to make a critical stop down the stretch as Portland State ripped off long rushing touchdowns of 75 and 44 yards.

The Eagles return home to Roos Field to face Cal Poly, led by former Eastern Coach Paul Wulff, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4.