FRESNO, Calif. --- For the second year in a row both Biola Cross Country teams found themselves on the podium at the PacWest Conference Championships. This year, for the first time in school history, the men's program was at the very top of that podium.

Led by an individual title run by Gabe Plendcio, Head Coach Sean Henning's men's squad took first place in the 10-team championship with its top-6 runners all finishing in the top-16 and earning all-conference recognition.

The women's team, led by an all-conference first team run from Mackenna Mason, placed third overall behind a tightly contested race between Point Loma and Azusa Pacific for the conference title. The third-place finish ensures both these teams will head to Point Lookout, Mo. next weekend for the National Christian College Athletic Association national championship meet.

The men's 8k was up first on the day. Biola and Academy of Art were the two favorites coming into the race and ended up being the two teams battling for the title throughout, with critical performances up and down Biola's top-7 ensuring the title.

"I was really happy. I thought the guys did a good job executing," said Henning. "They didn't go out and overdo it. They were not winning at a mile, but that was OK. They did a great job of letting the race play out and just letting their fitness take over."

Plendcio led the way with a 24:43 to win the race by 16 seconds and earn his first individual conference title. He's now got one national title and one conference title under his belt with three more major meets left in his career.

Behind Plendcio was Gio Orellana, who ran a 25:19 to also land in all-conference first team contention at seventh place. The Eagles' other All-PacWest honorees were Angel Escobar (25:32), Jared Donnel (25:33), Brady DeHaven (25:35) and Ryan St. Pierre (25:52).

Nic Nelson locked in all Biola's possible scoring times as its seventh runner. He placed 27th overall with a 26:13.

"I am very excited for how everybody did," said Henning. "I thought we showed incredible depth and the guys did a great job trying to work together. Gabe did a great job running a smart race. He was patient until he felt he was ready to go and he made his move."

Biola ended up with a team time of 2:06:44 and 46 points to win the race by about two minutes of time and 25 total points. It's the first conference title, in any conference, for this Biola men's side. Plendcio becomes the Eagles' third individual champion (Kevin Horchler - twice).

Mason was battling in the lead group all race long in the women's race, not counting Azusa Pacific's Eileen Stressling who won the individual title with a 50-second lead over the "lead pack."

Mason completed the 6k in 22:21 to finish sixth overall and earn the women an All-PacWest first team honor. Emily Ransom, Clara Haynes and Mandy Reyes also landed on the all-conference team.

"I am proud of the ladies for stepping up and competing pretty hard," said Henning. "I think Point Loma and APU had a great day. We are excited to take another team to nationals next weekend, and hopefully we can win."

Ransom placed 12th with a 22:49, Haynes 17th with a 22:58 and Reyes 19th with a 23:08. They helped the Eagles push for a top-3 finish to unlock NCCAA contention. BU managed to stave off fourth-place Academy of Art by ending up with 83 points to the Urban Knights' 93. Biola's team time of 1:55.00 was 34 seconds ahead of ART U, also making each individual spot crucial in securing the podium finish.

Kaili Waller (23:42), Kaitlyn Natividad (23:43) and Kenzie Elliott (23:50) rounded out the Eagles' top-7 finishers.

"Mackenna had a great race, and she moved up really well. Emily fought and moved up five spots in the last mile," said Henning. "Mandy was by herself for a long time and really needed to fight to hold position with where we needed her to finish. Kaili, our fifth finisher, did a great job of moving up and passing some people in the last mile to really secure third place for us."

PLNU and APU tied for the team title with 38 points, but Point Loma was awarded the title because three of their top-5 runners beat three of APU's top-5 runners, awarding the Sea Lions the narrow tie break. Their victory made it two first-time PacWest champions holding the trophies this season.

Biola and Azusa Pacific each earned 10 points towards the Cornerstone Cup with their performances on the day. Making the season tally remain in favor of the Cougars at 30-20.

The Eagles have their sights set on a pair of national championships next week at the NCCAA Championships. The men won last year and look to repeat, while the women bring the top time in the nation into the event as they look to move up from last year's runner-up finish.