Oct. 27, 2007

Crystal Springs, CA- The Saint Mary's cross country team finished their season by competing in the West Coast Conference Championships this morning in Belmont. The Gaels were led by junior Mario Mendoza and senior Karrie Hagedorn. The men's team posted a sixth place finish and the women's team finished eighth.

Mario Mendoza led the men's team to their sixth place finish with his time of 25:44. Mendoza's time sets a new record for the Gaels at the Crystal Springs course and places him third overall in the Top-15 times in Saint Mary's cross country history. Mendoza finished 12 of 56; his time of 25:44 marks a personal best, beating his old best by an amazing 56 seconds. His 12th place finish garners him a spot for the NCAA Regionals.

On the women's side, coming in first for the Gaels was Karrie Hagedorn with a time of 22:42 in the women's 6K. Her time, 22:42, marks a personal best time for the season, beating her old best by 8 seconds. Freshman Tess Grannemann placed second for the Gaels with a time of 23:57. Coming in third was freshman runner Jade Lewis with a time of 25:29, a personal best for her beating her old time by 31 seconds. Freshman Maddie Dengler crossed the line next with a time of 25:56. Abby Harris placed fifth for the Gaels with a time of 27:28, a personal best for the season, beating her old time by 39 seconds.

Rosie Kovacic finished with a time of 28:29. Sara Nownes finished with a time of 30:12.

Junior Nick Shea placed second for the Gael men with a time of 26:53 in the men's 8K. Freshman Mark Blucher crossed the line next with a time of 27:10. Coming in fourth for the Gaels was junior David Stiles with a time of 27:39. Freshman Brad Alban finished fifth with a time of 30:00.

Daniel Reyes finished with a time of 30:09. Eric Villegas finished with a time of 30:57.