FRESNO, Calif. — The Dominican University of California cross country teams wrapped up the 2014 campaign on Friday in the Pacific West Conference Championships hosted by Fresno Pacific University. The women's team finished ninth of 13 teams while the men finished 11th out of 11 teams.

California Baptist won both the women's and men's team races. The women posted an average time of 22:26.26 in the 6k and the men posted a time of 25:19.71 in the 8k. Hawaii Pacific's Fiona McKenna was the top runner for the second straight year with a time of 21:11.23. CBU's Taylor Guske was the top male runner with a time of 24:49.98.

The women's ninth-place finish was the highest-ever finish for the Penguins in the tournament. As a team, Dominican clocked in at 2:11:50.11, an average of 26:22.03, ahead of Notre Dame de Namur, UH Hilo, Holy Names, and Chaminade. Sophomore Julianna Mendez led the Penguins in 27th place out of 83 runners. Her time of 23:43.79 was 20 seconds shy of landing her on the All-PacWest Team. Freshman Sierra Najolia finished in 57th place with a time of 26:07.33 and fellow freshman Michelle Miranda clocked in at 26:43.68 in 60th place. Sophomore Katie Gomez placed 66th with a time of 27:23.07. Senior Alexis Bailey and freshman Franki Crites crossed in succession in 70th and 71st place with times of 27:52.24 and 27:57.70. With Dominican virtually tied with NDNU, Crites' score turned out to be the tiebreaker. Senior Nicole Long finished in 78th place with a time of 29:16.79.

On the men's side, Dominican finished with an average time of 30:18.78. Freshman Anthony Sassano was the Penguins' leading runner with a 49th place finish. He crossed the finish line with a time of 27:52.15. Brothers Leslie Williams III and LaTrielle Williams finished in 63rd and 67th place with times of 29:52.59 and 32:44.79, respectively. Senior Diallo Weeks was on Williams' heels with a time of 32:44.92 and sophomore Chris Suen clocked in at 32:45.24, good for 69th place. Freshman Isaiah Soto placed 71st with a finish time of 33:33.35.

"Julianna ran a good race althought it's not what she had hoped for. Our top five women changed order again, which demonstrates the depth this team has." said Head Coach Teressa DiPerna. "Anthony had one of his best races this season and ran a great tactical race. Michael capped off his senior year with a big finish and great effort.

"Today was a full team effort and I am super proud of them," added DiPerna.