RIVERSIDE, CA — Catherina Posada led the University of La Verne women's cross country team at the UC Riverside Invitational Saturday morning.

The Leopards competed in a field of teams across all divisions.

Posada paced the Leopards in the 6K with a time of 20:04.0. Although a senior, Posada is competing for La Verne cross country for the first time this season.

Michelle Suarez and Bianca Pages followed next for the Leopards and finished right behind each other. Suarez clocked in at 20:04.0 and Pages finished at 20:22.5.

From the Coach

"The hot and dry conditions made for some challenges but overall we had solid races over 8k and 5k," said La Verne Cross Country Head Coach Justin Wood. "I'm expecting to see some big jumps in performance next month as we are still building fitness."

Freshman Mackenzie Lazarus crossed next for La Verne at 20:52 followed closely by Ashley Garnica at 20:55.1.

Serena Gallegos (21:10.6), Reiko Fujimoto (21:38.0), Isabella Powers (22:16.6), and Alexia Alvarez (24:44.9) closed out the race for the Leopards.

Next Race

The Leopards head east again next Saturday to race in the Cal State San Bernardino Coyote Challenge.