DES MOINES, IOWA ? Drake junior Nicole Braunsdorf (St. Francis, Wis.) captured the individual title as the Bulldogs opened the women's cross country season hosting the annual Bulldog Classic Friday at Ewing Park.

Braunsdorf covered the 4,000-meter race in 14 minutes 31.45 seconds. Iowa State's Dana Peters was second in 15:41.9.

"I wanted to have a good start to open the season," said Braunsdorf. "I felt relaxed and had a good effort today."

Braunsdorf was elated to cut nearly one minute off her time of 15:30 at the 2006 Bulldog Classic.

"I feel a lot more prepared for this season," said Braunsdorf. "I feel more mentally strong and fit."

Drake freshman Casey McDermott (Newton) was fourth in 15:50.8, while Drake sophomore Courtney Heinz (St. Paul, Minn.) was fifth in 16:06.5

Bulldog Classic
Women's Results
Ewing Park, Des Moines, Iowa
4,000 Meters
1. Nicole Braunsdorf, Drake, 14:31.5
2. Dana Peters, Iowa State, 15:41.9
3. Rachel Bell, Iowa State, 15:47.2
4. Casey McDermott, Drake, 15:50.8
5. Courtney Heinz, Drake, 16:06.5
6. Katrine Owren, unattached, 16:18.9
7. Kim Brown, Iowa State, 16:24.2
8. Katie Coomer, Drake, 16:31.3
9. Meredith Bell, Drake, 16:38.6
10. Emma Barker, Drake, 16:42.7
11. Kristin Looney, Drake, 16:37.3
12. Amelia Clark, Drake, 16:50.0
13. Allison Clark, Iowa State, 16:54.6
14. Kaylee Small, Iowa State, 17:01.9
15. Laura Zoulek, Drake, 17:02.9
16. Sarah Hamling, Drake, 17:10.5
17. Kelly Malarkey, unattached,17:51.5
18. Caitlin Seick, unattached, 18:06.0
19. Sarah Havelka, Drake, 18:14.3
20. Katy Hayes, Drake, 18:17.4
21. Katie Stephenson, unattached, 18:24.7
22. Tara Scheszinski, unattached, 18:32.0