With 2019 All-South Coast Conference runner Olivia Ruiz graduated after missing out on her sophomore season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pasadena City College women's cross country team is without an college-experienced marquee racer. The Lancers are also trying to add runners as the 2021 season began Friday at the Moorpark Invitational.

One freshman who is stepping into a potential top racer is Carissa Guardado, who was an All-Prep League Second Team selection at Burbank's Providence High. Guardado raced to 20th place overall (out of a 42-runner field) with a top PCC time of 23 minutes, 11 seconds over the 5-kilometer course. 

Jessica Coffin, a newcomer from Culver City High, finished 33rd (27:40) and Estrella Camacho-Rodriguez (Eagle Rock HS) was 41st in their first collegiate meet. PCC did not score as a team in the invite.

Glendale College won the team title for the meet while College of the Canyons Danielle Salcedo (18:48) won the individual race. 

On September 4, PCC will next participate in the annual Cal State Fullerton Mark Covert Classic held at Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea. The women's race is at 9:30 a.m. following the men's meet.

PCC LOOKING FOR RUNNERS

The Lancers are still looking for runners, and any PCC student interested in racing this season can contact head coach Innocent Egbunike at iegbunike@pasadena.edu or by phone at 626-585-7778.