Women’s XC sends early message
The Saddleback women's cross country team got off to a quick start to the season in winning the Tour de Cuesta in San Luis Obispo on Friday. The Gauchos had five runners finish in the top-20 in the event.
Saddleback finished fifth in the state in 2018 and apparently aren't that interested in a drop-off in 2019. The Gauchos sent an early message to the rest of the teams in Southern California by dominating their first meet of the year.
Saddleback finished 3-4-5 in individual competition, led by sophomore Dana McGrath. The Aliso Niguel High School product crossed the finish line in 20:50.7 on the 5k trek, finishing three seconds out of second place and averaging 6:42.5 per-mile.
McGrath was followed by freshman Nayelli Hernandez and sophomore Cayla Porter, who finished fourth and fifth overall.
Joining the trio in the top-20 was Alexis Park and Amairani Sanchez, who finished 10th and 18th, respectively.
Saddleback finished with 33 team points, easily outdistancing second place Palomar College (50), third place Moorpark College (52) and fourth place Long Beach City College (80).
Saddleback will be back in action next Friday when they travel to the Palomar Invitational in Oceanside.