Pasadena City College women's cross country freshman Carissa Guardado continues her ascent as a quality racer by finishing in ninth place overall at the Golden West Central Park Classic held Friday in Huntington Beach. Guardado posted a time of 20 minutes, 53.6 seconds over the 5-kilometer course.

Guardado went up against a field of 74 runners from 16 different schools and was second among South Coast Conference racers, finishing only behind Mt. San Antonio's Deanna Diaz (seventh, 20:44.7). 

Dariana Estrada was 42nd overall (25:07) as the next fastest Lancer. Jessica Coffin took 52nd (26:24.4) and Estrella Camacho-Rodriguez was 65th (30.19.8). PCC did not score as a team, but then again only seven teams scored with Mt. SAC winning the team title. Saddleback's Olivia Knobbe won the individual race in 20:15.4. 

On Friday, Oct. 8, the Lancers are scheduled to participate in the 30th Vanguard Invitational at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley.