Final Results

Riverside, Calif. --- The Cal State East Bay women's cross country team had an impressive showing in their season opening meet at the UC Riverside Invitational on September 14. Competing against some of the top collegiate teams in Southern California, along with CCAA rivals UC San Diego, Cal State San Bernardino and Cal State Stanislaus, the Pioneers finished in 10th place in the 5K Collegiate Open with 258 points. East Bay finished 12 points shy of Stanislaus, which took ninth, and the Pioneers placed ahead of Chapman, Whittier, Pomona-Pitzer, and La Verne.

"Today's race was a huge eye-opening experience for our runners," Cal State East Bay head coach Ralph Jones said after the meet. "We ran over a tough course in warm weather and competed against strong competition, including three teams in the CCAA. This will definitely help us prepare for the conference championships in late October."

Oddessy Tapia led the way for the Pioneers, taking 14th place and 20th overall out of 208 runners. Tapia, who beat 18 CCAA runners, completed the 5K course in a personal-best time of 18:38.5.

"For Tapia to finish in the top 20 out of 208 runners is remarkable," Jones said. "I'm very happy with the results of her race."

Freshman Sarah Perrin, a 2013 graduate of James Logan High School, followed in 27th place with a time of 19:12.7.

"Sarah was the seventh fastest freshman to finish the race," Jones said. "She did a great job."

Sophomore Imani Heath (48th) was the third Pioneer to finish, crossing the wire in 19:49.1. Freshman Julie Scully was 67th, finishing in 20:33.3.

Freshman Michelle LaPonte posted a time of 21:52.9 to place 102nd in the race. Junior Angie Gonzales was right behind her, taking 108th place in 22:05.8, followed by Iris Martinez, who finished in 110th place with a time of 22:18.7.

The Pioneer women will next compete at the Stanford Invitational on Sept. 28.