WOMEN'S 6K RESULTS  |  MEN'S 8K RESULTS


BELMONT, Calif. — The new era of the Cal State Monterey Bay cross country season took on a more than metaphorical meaning at Saturday's season–opening Crystal Springs Invitational as junior Jennie Yeaman (Escondido/Mission Hills HS) won the women's event, senior Ben Garland (Santa Cruz/Harbor HS) finished third in the men's race and six Otters placed in the top 10 overall.

"Today was a 'first impression' race, and both the men's and women's teams sure did leave a good one," said CSUMB Head Coach Greg Rhines. "There was a buzz going around today at Crystal Springs, and MB Cross Country was it."

Yeaman's win highlighted the day. It was the first win by an Otter in more than five years and her time of 23:24 was a personal record on a 6K course. She ran a 23:30 at the 2011 CCAA Championships at Spring Lake Regional Park.

The win didn't come easy as Otter freshman Jessica McIntyre (Los Alamitos HS) finished just one second back to place second. Sophomore Hannah Bell (Yorba Linda/Esperanza HS) gave the Otters three of the top four finishers by placing fourth at 23:48.

"Yeaman, McIntyre, and Bell led most of the women's race, the first two never giving up their spots. I call that 'progress'," said a grinning Rhines.

On the men's side, Garland continued to hold his spot as CSUMB's top runner by placing third overall, navigating the 8K course in 26:54. He had company in the top 10 as freshmen Connor Henderson (South Lake Tahoe HS) and Ryan Torres (Ripon HS) finished seventh and 10th in their collegiate debuts at 28:17 and 28:55 respectively.

"The men's team was fierce from the start. Garland led most of the race, with first timers Henderson and Torres a few places behind," said Rhines. "The results were strong. Period. Throw in the challenging course and today's heat and a 'wow' comes to mind."

CSUMB returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 14 when it head to the state capital for the Hornet Jamboree hosted by Sacramento State at Granite Regional Park.