Knights Earn 4th at SD XC Kickoff

The women's cross country team was back on the course on Friday morning as they competed in the first race of the 2022 season at the San Diego Cross Country Kickoff and earned a fourth place finish with freshman Deandra Jara leading the way with a 2-mile time of 15:09, which was good for sixth overall.

Freshmen Jackeline Reyes (16:28) and Leslie Barajas (16:36) were not too far behind, crossing the finish line at the Harry Griffen Park (La Mesa) course in 11th and 12th place, respectively.

"On a really hot day I liked the way our team was able to stay engaged racing and finish strongly," said head coach Marco Anzures. "The entire group racing today were freshmen, some racing in their first competition ever. I've been extremely impressed with their cohesion leading up to this race and it only bodes well for the rest of the season. Diandra showed she has good racing instinct with her top-10 finish. All the athletes today demonstrated a willingness to put themselves out there. I know they are hungry for more."

Nihal Samaha (27th, 20:21) and Jada Toeuk (29th, 22:43) both pushed hard in the final stretch to round out City's top-5.

The Knights will have a two-week break before their next race on September 16 at the Cerritos Falcons Invitational. That meet will take place at Liberty Park in Cerritos with a 10 a.m. start.