The San Diego Mesa College men's and women's cross country team is once again off to a great start with both teams finishing in first place at the annual Fresno Invitational. According to head coach Sean Ricketts, the focus of the meet wasn't necessarily for 'performance goals, but rather preview the state course."

The women's team turned in an average time of 20:12.17 (score 38). Clovis Community College placed second with 21:21.15 (score 90), and Hartnell placed third with a 21:25.35 (score 108).

Alexis Nobel placed second overall with a score of 19:10.95. A trio of Olympians finished seventh through ninth; Sophie Moser-Smith (20:14.22), Madison Decker (20:25.47), Kate Touchet (20:31.24). 

The men's team finished at 20:51.96 (score 27), San Bernardino Valley College in second with a 21:42.92 (score 103), and Bakersfield placed third with 21:42.24 (score 108).

Jyden Schmid led the pack finishing in first place with a 20:18.71 time. Victor Rosas placed fourth with a 20:44.88. Joseph DePascale (20:56.08) and Alex Leroy (21:04.76) finished sixth and seventh. Allen Malo with a 21:15.39, rounded out the top ten finish for the Olympians. 

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday, September 23 at the Cougar Challenge, held at CSU San Marcos.