Beach Off To Strong Start At Big West Preview

Friday, September 1

San Luis Obispo, Calif.

8:30 a.m.

Long Beach State University

Big West Preview

9/1/2023 10:41:00 AM | Cross Country

Allie Scimia recorded a Top 10 time to lead the Beach to a third-place finish on the women’s side.

By: Roger Kirk, Associate Athletics Director, Communications & Broadcast

NIPOMO, Calif. – Competing on Cal Poly's new course on the Blacklake Golf Course in Nipomo that will serve as the Big West Championships site later this fall, Long Beach State bested four Big West programs on the way to a third-place finish for the women, while taking fourth place in the men's competition.

Women's Results | Men's Results

                Junior Allie Scimia once again led the women. With a 5K time of 18:14.2, Scimia placed in eighth overall among the 105 runners on the day. Just behind her was newcomer Marikay Schwab. The Cal State Fullerton transfer finished with a time of 18:18.2, placing in 14th overall on the day and smashing her previous 5K best.

Another transfer for the Beach, junior Maddie Franco, also had a Top 20 finish on the day with a time of 18:28.1. Azusa Pacific transfer Leia Jones crossed the line in 23rd with a time of 18:32.4, and freshman Louise Stonham impressed in her first run with a 27th place finish at 18:44.7 to count as the team's final runner.

Long Beach City transfer Ailene Rios finished in 38th and freshman Jenna Gallegos in 42nd also finished in the top half of runners at the Big West preview.

                For the men, junior college transfer Mario Tavares led the way with a Top 10 finish with a 6K time over 18:31.0, eighth among scoring runners in his first competition with Long Beach State. Senior Michael Phillips was next with a time of 18:39 flat.

                Alex Kalmar was the third finisher for the Beach at 18:53.6, with Antonio Carbajal next at 18:55.0. Freshman Cameron Rhone was the final scorer with a time of 18:564 in his first collegiate run in 41st overall from the 111 runners. Senior Quinn Garity crossed the line with a time of 19:09.7, Kyle Reden finished at 19:41.8 and Cameron Gill rounded out the Beach contingent with a time of 19:56.2.

                Long Beach State will get a short break, returning to action on September 16 at another Big West venue, taking part in the UC Riverside Invitational.