SUNNYVALE – The Cal State Monterey Bay cross country team used the fast course of Baylands Park for its final tune-up before the CCAA Championships. The Otters, represented in all four races, placed 15th on the men's side and 14th in the women's race at the annual Bronco Invitational. 

In the open races, CSUMB finished fifth in the men's 8k and fourth in the women's 6k. Overall, the Otters showcased 18 personal bests with 11 on the women's side and seven for the men.

"I am always blown away by the Otter performances at the Bronco Invite," CSUMB head coach Greg Rhines said. "It's been three years since we ran there, and we picked up where we left off. The 18 personal bests are incredible! There is grit on these teams, and that's all I can ask for. CCAAs here we come."

On the men's side, sophomore Franky Hernandez and newcomer Carson Lynch finished back-to-back in 57th and 58th, respectively, with Hernandez covering the 8k course in 26:36.7 and Lynch following at 26:40.1. 

Junior Captain Burnett placed 62nd with a time of 26:44.7 and freshman Alex Chavez finished 71st at 26:49.2. 

William Trowbridge was 86th with a time of 27:06.4, and Andrew Pursley followed in 93rd at 27:13.4. Senior Carson Farrow was 116th with a time of 27:41.7 to round out the Otter top-7.

CSUMB was the only D2 team in the invitational race that featured a field full of national qualifiers. The Otters posted their second-fastest team time in program history.

The women continued their strong season, led by sophomore Rachel Hoops, placing 55th with a 6k time of 21:59.9.

Junior Cozette Wood crossed the mat in 22:09.5 to place 66th and junior Daniela Munguia followed in 73rd at 22:14.5. 

Senior Ali Keith was 85th with a time of 22:29.8 and sophomore Angeline Gutierrez placed 89th at 22:32.4. 

Senior Kayla Young covered the 6k course in 22:43 to finish 100th and junior Cassidy Andreadakis rounded out the Otters in 102nd with a time of 22:45.3.

In the open division men's 8k, Franky Hernandez, Carson Lynch and Captain Burnett all finished within six places of each other. 

Hernandez paced the Otters in 57th with an 8k time of 26:36.7 and Lynch was right behind at 26:40.1. Burnett placed 62nd with a time of 26:44.7.

In the women's open 6k, newcomer Adriana Lemus and Maya Centeno finished within a second of each other as the newcomer paced the squad in 28th with a time of 23:39.8. Centeno posted a time of 23:40.8 and was 29th. 

The Otters will compete in the CCAA Championships next weekend on Friday, Oct. 24. The meet will be held at Bidwell Park in Chico and begin at 11:00 am.