REDLANDS, CA — Ashley Garnica finished in the top-10, Michelle Suarez placed in the top-20, and the University of La Verne women's cross country team opened up the season at the Redlands Invitational in impressive fashion.

Garnica took tenth overall with a time of 18:15 in the 4500-meter course. Suarez followed in 19th place clocking in at 18:53.

From the Coach

"The women got pulled out a little quick and weren't able to maintain positions upfront," said La Verne Cross Country Head Coach Justin Wood. "We have to work on our race execution in order to reach our potential. This team will be a strong pack in future races."

Catherina Posada (19:12), Serena Gallegos (19:16), Mackenzie Lazarus (19:17), and Bianca Pages (19:25) all finished in succession taking places 24-27.

Reiko Fujimoto followed close behind in 31st place with a time of 19:50.

Isabella Powers (20:00), Jesja Pham (20:42), and Alexia Alvarez (22:39) rounded out the race for the Leopards.

La Verne took fifth as a team in a field of NCAA Division III squads and junior colleges.

Next Race

The Leopards compete next at the UC Riverside Invitational on Saturday, September 14.