CROSS COUNTRY: The Pirate men's and women's cross country teams opened the 2013 season with the annual Ventura Invitational at Arroyo Verde Park Friday afternoon. Despite not running a full team to qualify for team placing, the Pirate women showed promise while the VC men struggled on the rugged course on a warm late summer day. Sophomore Sabrina Sewell placed second, completing the 5k course in 22:09. Meanwhile the Pirate men finished fifth of eight teams with Anthony Rivas finishing 12th over the 4-mile course in 23:54.
A trio of freshmen also ran strong for the women with Brittany Gonzalez finishing sixth (22:44), Brigitte Kiesewetter coming in 10th ( 22:24), and Maria Villalobos came across the finish line 20th (24:50).
Edwin Herrera (25:25, 32nd) was the second finisher for the Ventura men, followed by Alex Miron (25:56, 37th), Jaime Luna (26:21, 41st) and Luis Cruz (27:22, 48th). Thomas Garcia (28:49, 53rd) and Matthew Medina (29:32, 57th) rounded out VC's efforts.
The Pirates will head north next weekend, participating in the Fresno Invitational at Woodward Park, site of the state championships. The races begin Saturday Sept. 7 at 8:30 am.