CERES, Calif. (Sept. 12) - The UC Santa Barbara cross country teams returned to action for their second meet of the season at the Kim Duyst Invitational, highlighted by a first-place finish from the men's squad and a runner-up finish from the women.

HOW IT HAPPENED
In the men's 8K, senior Manny Correia led the Gauchos with a sixth-place finish, clocking a personal-best 24:33.9. Will Mulliken followed close behind with a personal record of 24:25.5, while Camden Leucht also cracked the top 10 with a personal best 24:27.2. Nate Osborn and Matthew Galindo were next across the line for Santa Barbara, finishing in 24:55.2 and 24:58.4, respectively. Freshmen Jack Burnett (25:08.3) and Carson Ehman (25:10.6) rounded out the Gauchos' top seven as UCSB secured first place overall.

Leading the Gauchos in the women's 6k was sophomore Jordin Lieberman, who placed second overall with a personal record of  20:44.9. Sierra Gill and Ryann Strawn also recorded personal bests, crossing the line in 21:25.1 and 21:28.7, respectively. Addie Oversmith followed for Santa Barbara with a time of 21:37.9.Virginia Knight and Danielle Hollander rounded out the Gauchos' top finishers, clocking 21:42.7 and 21:48.3. With four runners placing inside the top 10, the women's squad earned a second place team finish.

UP NEXT
In two weeks, the Gauchos will head to the midwest to compete at the Chicago Lakefront, hosted by Loyola Chicago, on Friday, Sept. 25. UCSB will then return to action in October at the Highlander Invitational for its final tune-up before postseason competition begins with the Big West Championships, hosted by UC Riverside on Halloween.

MEN'S RESULT (116 finishers)
6 - Manny Correia - 24:33.9 
7 - Will Mulliken - 24:35.5 
8 - Camden Luecht - 24:37.2 
13 - Nate Osborn - 24:55.2
14 - Matthew Galindo - 24:58.4
19 - Jack Burnett - 25:08.3
20 - Carson Ehman - 25:10.6
22 - Luke Friedl - 25:18.1
27 - Brycen Ward - 25:33.5
28 - Parker Stickney - 25:35.8
48 - Sam Vellutini - 26:08.9
60 - Parker Herbert - 26:23.2

UCSB placed 1 out of 10 teams

WOMEN'S RESULT (70 finishers)
2 - Jordin Lieberman - 20:44.9 
6 - Sierra Gill - 21:25.1 
7 - Ryann Strawn - 21:28.7 
8 - Addie Oversmith - 21:37.9
10 - Virginia Knight - 21:42.7
13 - Danielle Hollander - 21:48.3
15 - Olivia Bollenbach - 21:50.6
16 - Maggie De La Rionda - 21:53.5
17 - Alexa Bryson - 21:58.7 
19 - Keira Sorenson - 22:14.7
20 - Alana Clarke - 22:15.4
22 - Jana Barron - 22:20.5
26 - Emerson McMeekin - 22:47.9
27 - Molly Grupe - 22:57.7 

UCSB placed 2 out of 7 teams