SAN FRANCISCO — Dominican University of California junior Julianna Mendez was the top NCAA Division II runner at the San Francisco Invitational hosted by USF in Golden Gate Park.

As a team, the women finished in tenth place out of 12 NCAA programs with a total time of 1:44:20. Dominican placed ahead of PacWest foes Notre Dame de Namur (1:57:14) and Holy Names (2:06.50) but behind Academy of Art (1:38.29).

Mendez crossed the finish line of the 5k with a total time of 19:06.6 and finished 24th overall in the 107-player field. Freshmen Sami Koss and Gabi Foyle both posted personal records. Koss placed 45th overall with a time of 19:50.2 and Foyle placed 67th with a time of 21:16.9. Michelle Miranda finished in 82nd place and crossed the finish line with a time of 21:55.8. Sophomore Janine Villanueva, who was also competing in her first collegiate race, finished with a time of 22:15.1 (85th). Freshman Karina Duarte finished with a time of 22:51.7 in her first collegiate outing. Sophomores Sierra Najolia and Franki Crites placed 94th and 96th respectively with times of 23:13.2 and 23:25.4. Junior Katie Gomez placed 98th with a time of 23:59.9 and senior captain Aimee Carrazco placed 102nd with a time of 26:14.9.

On the men's side, three runners participated as individuals. Chris Suen set a personal record and led the men with a time of 30:37.5, in 118th out of the 131-runner field. Two runners, competing in their first-ever cross country races, finished in 129th and 130th — Patrick Davis posted a time of 34:21.2 and RJ Francisco finished the race with a time of 37:34.8.

The cross country teams will next compete on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Humboldt State Invitational. That meet race will be held at Patrick's Point State Park in Trinidad, California.