Mustangs achieve program records for lowest point totals in both men’s and women’s races, led by Anderson and Fredericks capturing individual titles, extending significant streaks at Central Park in tuneup for NAIA Championships

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Photos by Alexis Romero

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Already responsible for one of the most impressive conference championship legacies in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics cross country history, The Master’s University reached a new standard of success Friday on its home course at Central Park.

The No. 3 Mustangs extended their record streak to 14 consecutive years as Golden State Athletic Conference men’s team champions, producing their lowest total by placing five athletes in the top six of the 8-kilometer race – led by sophomore Jack Anderson in 24 minutes, 31.6 seconds – to achieve 18 points.

The Master’s was even more impressive in the women’s 6-kilometer race, capturing a fourth straight team title after having six competitors finish in the top seven for a 17-point performance, with junior Hannah Fredericks helping the No. 5 Mustangs lower their already exceptional standard of 18 points from last season by emerging victorious in 20:40.6.

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The NAIA Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Nov. 17 at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Washington.

Brint Laubach was second for the Mustangs in the men’s race in 24:43.0, with Daniel Rush finishing fourth in 25:09.3, Hunter Romine placing fifth in 25:11.2 and Nate Day securing sixth in 25:12.3.

The Master’s continued to demonstrate its depth by having six more competitors run under 26:10 to earn eighth to 13th place overall. That group of Mustangs would have been more than enough to prevail against runner-up Vanguard, which had 67 points.

Evan Hernandez led the Lions by taking third in 24:51.7.

Brandon Ericson was seventh in 25:17.7 for Arizona Christian, which took third as a team with 70 points.

Fredericks was supported by Ellen Palmgren, last year’s winner, placing second in 20:54.2 and Suzie Johnson taking third in 21:27.2.

Emma Nelson (21:58.3), Rebekah Niednagel (22:07.9) and Alyssa Lovett (22:18.0) achieved fifth, sixth and seventh for the Mustangs.

Emma Timmermans finished fourth in 21:44.5 for Hope International, which earned third as a team with 90 points.

Kate Baranski, a freshman, took eighth in 22:31.9 for Vanguard, which secured second place at 77 points.

Azalea Prince grabbed ninth in 22:42.9 for William Jessup, which captured fifth overall with 101 points.

MaryAlice Mitchell rounded out the top 10 in 22:44.0 for Arizona Christian, the fourth-place team at 93 points.