Ranked ninth in the NAIA, Westmont women’s cross country finished third of 14 teams at The Mustang Challenge held at The Master’s College. Twenty-first ranked Westmont men’s team finished fourth of 14.
The women’s 5,000 meter race was won by No. 3 Cal State San Marcos with 31 points. The Master’s, ranked at No. 13, took second place with 60 points. Westmont recorded 95 points to finish ahead of fourth place California Lutheran (108 points) and Glendale (179 points).
Freshman Kelly Collins was the Warriors’ top finisher, taking fourth place in a time of 18:06. Sophomore Piper Bain finished 13th in a time of 18:44. Junior Heidi Nicholls completed the course in a time of 18:59 to take 19th while freshman Hailey Alexander notched 26th place in a time of 19:11. Sophomore Ceci Adams completed the Warrior scoring with a 45th place finish in a time of 19:44.
The men’s 8,000 meter race was also won by Cal State San Marcos, the ninth-ranked team in the NAIA, with 55 points. Glendale Community College claimed second with 86 points and No. 11 The Master’s placed third with 87 points. Westmont tallied 143 points, edging out College of the Canyons by one point.
Westmont’s first finisher was senior Evan Bradford who claimed ninth place with a time of 25:32. Sophomore Nate Evans took 31st place, completing the course in a time of 26:25. Sophomore Evan Kramer crossed the line four seconds later to take 33rd place and senior Jack Rogan was another second back in 34th. Junior Daniel Erickson was the Warriors’ fifth finisher, taking 97th place in a time of 27:59.
The Warriors will compete again in two weeks when they participate in the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational.
