WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY DOMINATES AT AL SHIRLEY INVITATIONAL

Saturday October 4,  2025 - 6:00 p.m. | Dylan DeVlieger

No. 2-ranked Mesa Women's Cross Country continued their strong 2025 campaign with a dominant showing at the Al Shirley Invitational, capturing first place as a team with 17 points. The Thunderbirds swept the top four spots and placed all seven runners inside the top 15 in a commanding performance.

Freshman Olivia Baker led the charge, winning the individual title with a time of 17:46, setting the course record previously held by former MCC standout Kate Brockman. She was followed closely by sophomore Kinley Jackson in second (18:18) and sophomore Lucy Melzer in third (18:28) both of whom also ran under the old course record. Sophomore Katie Munoz rounded out the top four in 18:33.

The Thunderbirds' depth continued to shine as sophomore Marissa Hernandez finished sixth (19:20), freshman Evalyn Perez placed seventh (19:34), and freshman Olivia Scroggins came in 15th (20:41).

Head coach Daniel Pescador was thrilled with the team's performance and energy on their home course:

"Outstanding today by the women's team! They were excited to finally drop down to our normal 5k, and they executed running fast. All seven girls ran great, and I'm extremely proud of all of them. Evalyn Perez and Olivia Scroggins had very good breakout races! It was the type of team race that shows us what we can do come the national championships," said Pescador. 

The Lady T-Birds will be back in action on Oct. 18 as they compete in the Highlander Invite. 

Click here to view the entire results. 

 Photo Credit: Stephanie Van Latum