(Fullerton, CA) The Mt. SAC Men's and Women's Cross Country Teams popped the cork on a new season by participating in the Mark Covert Classic at Carbon Canyon Regional Park on Saturday.

In a field comprised mostly of post-collegiate elite and university-level runners, Mt. SAC's Zachary Alexander finished in 20th place in the 8K race with a time of 25:41.8. Fellow Mounties Daniel Abdala (39th), Isaiah Wilson (48th), Lorenzo Orozco (63rd), and Vicente Huerta (69th) all finished in the race's top 70.

Mt. SAC placed ninth as a team with 220 points—the best team score of all community colleges competing in the meet.

On the women's side, the Mounties tallied 431 points for a 14th-place finish.

Sadie Encinas and Yesinia Flores led the team with times of 20:39.5 and 20:35.9, respectively.

Both teams will compete in the Fresno Cross Country Invitational at Woodward Park in Fresno on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 8 a.m.

Follow Mt. SAC Cross Country on twitter @MtSAC_XC

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.