Cross Country Improves at Fresno Invitational

The LAMC Women's Cross Country team got a chance to preview the CCCAA Championship Meet course early in the season on Sept. 8 at Woodward Park in Fresno.

The Eagles competed Saturday in the Fresno Cross Country Invitational hosted by Fresno City College, placing in the lower half of participating teams but earning a handful of personal records in the meet.

Head Coach Julia Pickslay said the goal was to go out and run the race that each athlete felt she was best ready for individually, and the execution of that plan led to strong performances across the board.

Freshman Paola Rojas came across the line first for the Mission crew with a 24:06.1, over a two-minute improvement from the previous week.

Fellow freshman Nataly Galicia came in just behind her at 24:54, which was almost a two-minute PR for her as well. Veteran high school runner Ruth Cobieya, brand new to the team, came in third with a 26:01 despite returning from a year hiatus. Coach Pickslay said after being with the Eagles for a couple of weeks, Cobieya is getting back into running shape quickly and is expected to be ready by post-season.

Returning sophomore Samantha Ochoa, still recovering from an injury, crossed the line at 26:27, and co-captain Suzette Sanchez finished up the squad with a personal record of 26:56.7. 

Stay tuned for more great efforts as the Eagles continue to pull together and compete as a team. Their next competition is in Cerritos on Friday, Sept. 14, at the SoCal Preview Meet at 9:00 a.m.