IRVINE, Calif. -- The women's cross country team for Vanguard University started their season with record-breaking marks at the VU Invitational on Friday morning. The Lions broke a school record for a 5k team time at 1:31:31, besting the previous mark from 2018 at 1:32:56. VU also left Mason Regional Park with eight women running under 19:00 in a race, doubling the former tally which was set at four.
 
Overall at the event, the squad finished behind UCI, who swept the top five spots, with VU placing its top five in the 6-10 slots.  Kate Baranski was sixth for VU to lead the squad, as the Lions as a unit finished second out of the four teams.
 
What Happened?
Baranski was at 18:00.2 with Ella Murray placing seventh in a time of 18:09.6 as the freshman started her collegiate career in fine form.  Madyson Nakamura was behind her in a time of 18:20.7 and placing ninth was Giselle Rubio, who slotted in a mark of 18:29. Kaitlyn Smith rounded out the top grouping for the Blue and Gold with an 18:31.5.
 
The next wave placed 13th-16th, with Lauren Pahl first up in 13th in a time of 18:51.2, not too far ahead of Isabella Sword, who crossed the line with a time of 18:52.4.  Zoe Tavares was three seconds back with an 18:55.1 and Haley Butenschoen was 16th with a 19:00.2 tally. 
 
Hailey Quiroz placed 18th with a 19:15.4, Emily Noyes clocked a 19:57.9 in 20th, Sydney Sydney was 22nd with a 20:19.9, Brady Wylie was 23rd with a time of 20:19.6, Adrianna Huffstuttler was 25th with a 20:39.9, Macey Thomas was 26th in a time of 20:40.3, Kaitlyn Barragan was 27th with a 20:55.4, and Chase Sullivan rounded out the squad in 28th with a mark of 21:04.9.
 
The team then surrounded the finish line as alumni Juliana Tampus, Sarah hall, Sarah Gee, and Rebekah Pinedo all crossed the line, sporting their old uniforms and proving that they still can go the distance.

What was Said? "Our athletes competed with great heart and joy today!" expressed Head Coach Bryan Wilkins. "I couldn't be more proud of how this team kicked off our season. We had great support from Vanguard, family and friends and were blessed to be represented by a women's alumni team who raced today. Very proud of those ladies too!"

What's Next?  Both teams will head to the TMU Invitational on September 20, at 7:30 a.m. in Santa Clarita.