Cross country gets two top finishes

The women’s cross country team took first place while the men’s Erik Mencarini finished first overall, leading his team in a tie for second at the Bronco Invitational in Crystal Springs, California on Saturday.

It was the second title this year for the women who have been without Katie Fontana, their top runner, since she injured her foot at a meet in San Diego on September 18.

Melissa Madeson led the way for the Hornet women with a third place overall title, her highest finish this season.

Head coach Joe Neff was excited with the result, but continues to wonder what could have been.

“We were picked to finish second to last in the preseason poll,” Neff said. “Earlier this season I saw the men’s team as one of the top four and the women as one of the top five teams in the Big Sky.”

Erik Mencarini continued his domination this season winning his fourth first place title this year. He also snagged second place earlier this season in Davis.

Neff emphasized the importance of every runner on the team as well as the importance of Mencarini.

“Cross country is a team sport and having a heavy hitter like Erik certainly helps.” Neff said.

The teams continued to be haunted by injuries in Crystal Springs, but are shooting for Fontana and Andrew Golden to return for the Conference Championships on October 30. Golden is out with a knee injury,

“Katie and Andrew have kept in shape in the pool and on the bike,” Neff said. “They should be ready for Conference.”