Panthers run in packs, finish strong at Redlands

REDLANDS, Calif. - The Chapman University men's and women's cross country teams stayed together on Saturday at the Redlands Invitational. That strategy especially benefited the women who placed seventh in the 4.5K run - the teams' first meet of the season.

The Chapman women had four runners finish within 17 seconds of each other, led by sophomore Lily Weber who was the Panthers' top finisher, placing 48th with a time of 19:49. Freshman Kayla Heath finished just back of her at 19:55, followed by freshman Amanda Kristedja (20:00) and junior Kirsten Moore (20:06).

Although many of the Panthers on the men's team also ran together, it was a trio of Chapman runners that pulled away from the pack to finish with the team's top times. Sophomore Chris Cresci - an All-Independent selection in 2008 - was the Panthers' top runner with a time of 21:57 in the 6K and placed 70th overall. Freshman Angel Flores finished with a time of 22:38 and another freshman Craig McGirr crossed the finish line 20 seconds later at 22:58.

The Panthers will travel to the San Diego State next Saturday to participate in their largest meet of the season.