Sept. 1, 2007

San Francisco, Calif.- Santa Clara got the 2007 cross country season off to a terrific start Saturday, winning the USF Invitational in convincing fashion.

Senior Michael Delaurenti finished first in the men's race with a time of 25:41, a full 28 seconds ahead of the second place finisher. And senior Adriane Puetz won the women's race convincingly as well with a time of 17:58, 15 seconds ahead of the closest competitor.

The teams as a whole were just as solid as the individuals that led them. Both teams had six runners in the top 12. "It was one of the most impressive openings we've ever had," said head coach Tom Service.

This was just the kind of start that that Broncos were looking for. "Today couldn't have gone any better," Service said. "I think it was a pretty impressive performance and that it makes a very good statement overall."

Service couldn't say enough about how controlled his team was during the race. "We executed our game plan perfectly," said Service. "It really validates all the time and work we've put in so far."

While overall excited about the outcome of the race, Service was optimistically cautious as was the team. "We don't want to get too giddy, it is just the first race of the year in September," said Service. "We are pleased, but realistic. There is a long ways to go."

Also putting in a great day for the men's team was Alex Harkins (3rd), Chris Mosier (5th), A.J. Blumel (6th), Robert Reid (9th), and Michael Hannon (11th). For the womens team was Melissa Conlin (5th) and then Gillian Fitch, Whitney Porter, Veronica Vazquez, and Blossom Marimpietri who finished in the 9-12 spots respectively.

TEAM RESULTS

MEN

1 Santa Clara University
2 University of California
3 San Jose State University
4 San Francisco State University
5 University of San Francisco

WOMEN

1 Santa Clara University
2 University ofCalifornia
3 San Jose State University
4 University of San Francisco
5 San Francisco State University
6 University of Pacific
7 UC Santa Cruz
8 Sonoma State