TACOMA, Wash.- The Central University women's cross-country team competed at the Pacific Lutheran Invitational on Saturday afternoon where they placed sixth with 159 points. Helayna Bonilla led the way for the 'Cats, placing 26th with a time of 23:56.4.
 
RACE RESULTS
Bonilla led the Wildcats with a 26th-place finish, clocking in at 23:56.4. She was followed closely by teammates Dawn Hulstedt and Paige Huntsinger, who placed 35th and 36th with times of 24:17.5 and 24:23.0, respectively. Lexi Titchenal crossed the line in 42nd place (24:40.2), while Xitlalli Salinas-Lopez finished 62nd in 25:38.8. Brynn Williams was the next Wildcat to finish, placing 81st with a time of 26:06.2, and Natalie Barta rounded out the team's top seven in 98th place at 27:05.1.

QUOTING ASSISTANT COACH MATT LAYTEN
"Today was a good opportunity to see where we are at In our training progression and to get our first 6Ks in for the year for some of the members of our program. We often talk about how racing is a skill that we must practice and Saturday was a good opportunity to do so. Helayna Bonilla ran with a lot of heart in leading our group yesterday and helping set the pace for our squad! Freshmen Dawn Hulstedt, Paige Huntsinger, and Lexi Titchenal had strong starts in their first attempts at the collegiate distance and I really applaud them for their boldness in mixing it up in the front part of the race. This will serve them well as we continue our training and as they keep getting stronger over their collegiate careers."
 
UP NEXT
The Crimson and Black are set to head west for the 51st annual Bill Roe Invitational, hosted by Western Washington University, on Saturday, September 27. The meet will be held at Hovander Homestead Park in Ferndale, Washington. Competition begins with the women's 6K at 10:00 a.m., followed by the men's 8K at 11:00 a.m.