After focusing on training for three weeks, the Butler women will return to competition Friday morning at the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitational.
 
The Bulldogs will take on a handful of nationally-ranked teams, highlighted by No. 1 North Carolina State and the host Fighting Irish, who are ranked No. 7 in this week's USTFCCCA pool. No. 12 South Carolina and No. 27 Clemson are also among the 20 teams in the field.  
 
The 5k Blue Race will begin at 10 a.m., and the teams will navigate the Burke Golf Course in South Bend, Ind.
 
The Bulldogs have one race under their belts so far in the 2026 season, placing fifth at the Spartan Invitational hosted by Michigan State Sept. 11.
 
Junior Hannah Moore paced the Bulldogs in that race, completing the 6k course in 21:39.9. She was 24^th overall.
 
The Bulldogs will enter the maximum 10 runners in Friday's Blue race. Moore headlines the group and is joined by returners Carys Glyn-Jones, Mckenna Mazeski, Ella Olthof, and Lila Volkers. Freshmen Callie Bentley, Emily Berger, Hana Boggess, Poppy Healy, and Caterina Perego round out the entries. All 10 runners made their respective season debuts at the Spartan Invitational.
 
Live results will be available with a link posted to ButlerSports.com.