The American River College women’s cross-country team took sole possession of the No. 3 ranking in the state, which they had previously shared with Modesto Junior College, after taking third at the NorCal Preview at Crystal Springs on Sept. 28. 

“We’re ranked third in NorCal now after that meet, we’re right behind Hartnell (College),” Head Coach Jeanette Allred-Powless said.

The team consists of 10 freshmen and two sophomores. The college level experience on the team may be low, but their running makes up for it. Alexa Lua and Kayla Rossi led the team with fourth and 10th place finishes at Crystal Springs.

Although Rossi was a bit under the weather during the Crystal Springs meet, she still managed to stay in the top ten which is a huge testament to her willpower as a runner. “I had a cold, I was having trouble breathing,” Rossi said.

Lua led the team with a six-minute, 24-second average mile time. When asked about how she did at the meet, she said, “I placed fourth.” The previous meet, the Lou Vasquez Invitational she placed fourth as well. High place finishes like that will keep ARC near the top of the NorCal standings.

In addition to Lua and Rossi, the rest of the team placed all across the board. From Zoe Worobel at 18th, Natalie Berania at 25th and finishes near the back of the pack. The way teams are scored, however, it’s based off the first five finishes.

“We’re still out of shape and have a lot of room to improve,” Allred-Powless said.

The next match is the Mt. Sac Invitational on Oct. 12 in Walnut, California.