RIVERSIDE, CA — The University of La Verne men's and women's cross country teams took to the Ag/Ops Course on Saturday morning for the Highlander Invitational. Eight of the Leopards' 18 runners set personal records.

From The Coach

• "We're really building strong momentum. Our 1-3 men today looked great! With solid racing from the rest of the men's squad. Marissa led the way at 22:35, only five seconds slower than her lifetime best on a slower course. There's more there," said La Verne cross country head coach Rob Lander.

Team Finishes

• Men, 10 of 20 teams
• Women, 18 of 24 Teams

How It Happened

• Marissa Hehir paced the women's team with a time of 22:35 placing 69th overall in the field that featured teams from all NCAA Divisions, NAIA, and junior colleges.
• Fernando Cortez Jr. led the men's team with a personal record time of 25:33.

Personal Records

• Fernando Cortez Jr. 25:33 (:04 PR)
• Finn McClure 25:37 (:15 PR)
• Zyeir Shabete 25:48 (:06 PR)
• Lizbeth Garcia 23:18 ( 1:11 PR)
• Ryleigh LaRue 23:53 (1:40 PR) 
• Madi Bravo 24:19 (1:11 PR)
• Peyton Carrera 25:18 (:08 PR)
• Chloe Chong 27:48 (1:23 PR)

Notables

• Garcia's time of 23:18 ranks ninth on the All-Time list for La Verne
• It is the men's team's third top-10 finish this season

Next Race

• The Leopards compete next at the SCIAC Championships hosted at Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea, CA on November 2.