Barrese, Castillo Pace La Verne At Fullerton Invite
The University of La Verne women's cross country team made its 2011 season debut at the Cal State Fullerton Invitational, concluding with a 14th place team finish Saturday at Carbon Canyon Park.
La Verne posted a total team time of 2:07:57.07 for an average of 25:35.40.
Leading the way for the Leopards were junior Katie Barrese and senior Micaela Castillo, who enjoyed solid performances with 47th and 62nd place efforts, respectively, in a field that included 20 teams and more than 200 total runners.
Barrese completed the six-kilometer course in 24:09.7 while Castillo finished her race in a time of 24:36.7.
"It was a great season opener for both Katie and Micaela," said head coach Mike Atwood. "Katie has been experimenting with a new style of racing that yielded strong results, and Castillo is returning from injury. Both competed well."
Andrea Arceo was one of three Leopards making her collegiate debut for the Leopards, posting a time of 25:43.8 to place 109th.
La Verne will return to competition next Saturday at the UC Irvine Invitational.
