Cal Maritime opens season well at PUC Invitational

The Men's and Women's Cross Country teams opened the season in Angwin, Calif. with first-place finishes for teams and individuals, including Lauren Silva's first-place finish on the Women's side.

Silva has been Cal Maritime's top women's runner since her freshman year, and the junior from Honolulu has been dubbed Cross Country's "jackrabbit" by head coach Jeff Ward.

"I am so happy for Lauren," Ward said. "She has worked so hard both in her training and in the classroom, and she is seeing the results. She has elevated the program with her contagious enthusiasm and energy and is going to do great things this season."

The Women's Cross Country team had only four runners available at the PUC Invitational due to firefighting classes all new cadets must take. Silva finished with a time of 17:55.5 in the 3.11-mile course. Freshman Sara La Russa (20:21.6), sophomore Nora Anastasia (20:53.5), and senior Nadia Barrios-Saenz all made their Keelhauler debuts for a program that continues to build towards greater things.

"I am excited for the women's program," Ward added. "Lauren continues to get better, and the new runners are feeding off her commitment."

The conditions were perfect in Angwin, and the course was shortened from some of its previous lay outs with fewer hills this year. On the Mens' side
freshman Harry Bragg (25:51.6), Jose Carreon (30:32.7), Keith Webster (26:08.5) made their Keelhauler debuts on the 4.97-mile course.

Isaiah Sulivan finished first for Cal Maritime and 5th overall with a time of 23:27.6. "Isaiah has really stepped up for us this year," Ward noted. "He is primed to have a strong season this year. I'm excited to see where he can go."

The Men's Team finished first overall as a group edging out host PUC by just over three minutes total.

UP NEXT: The Keelhaulers will race in the Master's Invitational in Santa Clarita, Calif. on September 28.