REDLANDS, Calif. --- The top-ranked Biola University women's cross country team opened the year with a decisive sweep of the top seven spots while senior Ryan Richert took top honors on the men's side at the Eagles' season-opening race at the University of Redlands on Friday.

Biola's women's team pulled off an impressive feat, recording the minimum 15 points as the top seven finishers were all from BU. It is believed to be the first time a Biola team has scored the minimum. 

Senior Kelsey Gasner took home top honors, crossing the finish line in 16:31. Junior Nychelle Fischetti was second in 16:57, followed by a pair of freshmen, Ali Sciarra and Chelsea Janzen. Sciarra placed third in 17:14 followed by Janzen in fourth at 17:21. Junior Carissa Bowman placed fifth in 17:25 while junior Jane Kerner took sixth in 17:43 and freshman Rebecca Asplund placed seventh in 17:53.

On the men's side, senior Ryan Richert led the majority of the race and finished five seconds ahead of the competition with a time of 19:11 in the 6K men's race. Junior Brian Aukshunas placed 10th overall with a time of 19:57. Freshman Danny Ledesma turned in a strong performance, placing 17th with a time of 20:10 in his first collegiate race.

The men's squad placed third overall with 82 points as GSAC rival California Baptist University took top team honors.

Biola returns to action on Saturday, Sept 18, traveling to San Diego to take part in the San Diego State University Aztec Invitational at Balboa Park. The women's 5K race begins at 9:00 a.m. and the men's 8K race starts at 9:30 a.m.