Harriers Open Season At Big West Preview

Otters share off rust against Division I competition

September 04, 2023

By: Kevin Gilmore (@OtterKevin)

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The Cal State Monterey Bay cross country teams shook off the rust from a long offseason against an NCAA Division I field at the Big West Preview Meet hosted by Cal Poly SLO Sept. 1 at the Blacklake Golf Resort.

The women raced a 5K and the men raced a 6K, the only time all season either team will race at those distances. The Otter women and men both finished ahead of the only other Division II programs in the field, beating Westmont College in both races.

"This course was a challenge to say the least, with many new faces earning their NCAA chops," said CSUMB Head Coach Greg Rhines. "I was pleased with the performances on both sides. This was the classic 'rust buster' preparing us for the season to come."

As expected, junior Lisa Irvine (Roseville/Woodcreek HS) led the way for the women, placing 50th overall and first amongst the non-NCAA Division I runners. Freshmen Cassidy Andreadakis (Orcutt Academy) and Daniela Munguia (Clovis North HS) placed 57th and 60th respectively, just missing spots in the top half of the field.

In the men's race, junior Jaime Gonzalez (Camarillo HS) picked up right where he left off following a strong sophomore season. Gonzalez paced the Otters with a 29th place finish, tops amongst the non-NCAA Division I runners. Senior Connor Farrow (Modesto/Beyer HS) also earned a spot in the top half of the 111-runner field, placing 53rd overall.

The Otters will jump back into NCAA Division II action next week when they head to Fullerton for the Biola Invitational Sept. 8 at Ted Craig Regional Park.

GO OTTERS!

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