The Pasadena City College women's cross country team opened its 2023 season on Sept. 15 at the SoCal Preview Meet held in Long Beach. Summer Hamilton scored 92nd place for the Lancers top finish.

Hamilton, a freshman from Pasadena High, crossed the line in 24 minutes as she was one of 170 racers from throughout the South to participate on the 5-kilometer course.

Melissa Le, from La Canada HS, placed 124th (26:14), and she was followed by newcomer Isabella Evans (Crescenta Valley High) in 135th (27:16), and Joelyne Garcia (Los Altos), who placed 154th (30:56). Garcia finished her track eligibility at PCC after two strong seasons as a javelin thrower who qualified for the 3C2A State Championships in 2022 and 2023.

While PCC couldn't score as a team (need five runners to place), PCC head coach Innocent Egbunike explained what the team is battling at this point.

"We had injuries that prevented us from starting on time," he said. "We have some good runners that didn't participate on Friday, but when they are ready we expect to show great improvement. Summer ran a terrific race and we are proud of her first collegiate competition."

The Lancers return to the race course on Friday, Sept. 22 at the Golden West Invitational in Huntington Beach. Race time is 9:30 a.m.