LA MIRADA- The University of La Verne men's cross country squad got its first taste of SCIAC action at the conference multi-dual meet Friday evening.
The Leopards compiled a 3-4 record, recording victories over University of Redlands, Cal Lutheran University, and the California Institute of Technology.
Sophomore Bryan Hayes led the way with a top-10 finish. Hayes completed the 8,000-meter course in 26 minutes, 27.86 seconds to take seventh overall in the 136-runner field. Freshman Tanner Long was the second Leo runner across the line in 11th place (26:43.86). Junior Jayden Earlywine was 34th (27:32.01), senior Alberto Acosta was 44th (27:43.57), and junior transfer Jahi Gains was the Leopard's fifth man in his La Verne debut (28:03.98). Freshman Alex Orozco and sophomore Daniel Guasso rounded out the varsity squad in 62nd (28:26.33) and 63rd (28:27.01) respectively.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps recorded an 8-0 record while Stag sophomore Zorg Loustalet won the individual title in a time of 25:24.89.
The Leos will return to action Nov. 2 for the SCIAC championships meet at Prado Park in Chino, Calif. Race time is 9:45 a.m.