SPOKANE, Wash. – Linfield men's and women's cross country competed in Eastern Washington in their first road trip outside of Oregon, recording a handful of personal best times in the 6,000 and 8,000-meter races.

Women's Race
The senior combo of Mia McCormack and Jayden Taylor continued to lead the Wildcats, crossing the finish line in 23:52.5 to place 76th overall. Taylor followed just 2.1 seconds later, finishing 78th in 23:54.6. 

Saniyah Ayala was Linfield's third finisher, taking 132nd in 25:33.2, while Jasmine Solso crossed three seconds later in 133rd at 25:36.0. Mya Budzik rounded out the Wildcats' five scoring runners, placing 148th with a time of 26:14.3.

Isabella Manges finished 151st in 26:33.8, followed by Angela Hernandez-Gallo in 167th at 28:13.8. Brenna Gamache placed 170th with a time of 29:02.7, while Liberty McElfatrick rounded out Linfield's nine-runner contingent in 171st at 29:58.8. Both Hernandez-Gallo and Gamanche recorded personal best 6K times, meanwhile Ayala, Budzik, and McElfatrick had season bests.

Linfield finished tied with Pacific Lutheran at 428 points in the 17-team field, with the Wildcats finishing 15^th.

Men's Race
Jackson Fears led the Wildcats across the finish line, placing 139th overall with a time of 27:35.1. The freshman paced the men's squad for the first time in his career thanks to his personal-best 8K time. 

Freshman Vincent Andrews followed six places behind in 145th, clocking 27:43.6, also a new personal-best.

C.J. Brindeiro was Linfield's third finisher, taking 158th in 27:57.2, while Teagan Randles followed closely in 160th with a time of 27:58.2. Logan Marquart rounded out the Wildcats' five scoring runners with a best of his own, finishing 187th in 29:04.5.

Finley Wodke rounded out Linfield's six-runner squad, placing 195th with a time of 29:35.5.

The Wildcats finished 16^th of 18 teams in the meet.

"It wasn't the team outcome that we were hoping for, but there were some bright spots. It was the first time we've traveled for a meet this year and that showed. We are taking it as a learning lesson moving forward and are excited to race again in 2 weeks at George Oja Invite." Said head coach Chris McIsaac.

"I was really impressed with Vince and Jackson for stepping up today. Both worked together throughout the race and ended up being our first and second runners. The women's team raced together in packs. They had a solid showing today, but definitely have more in the tank for future races" said Katie Higginbotham following the meet.
 
The Wildcats teams are set to host the annual George Oja Invitational in two weeks in Salem, Oregon, at the Oak Knoll Golf Course.
 
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