LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Facing off against tough competition at the Sundowner Invitational in Monmouth, Oregon, Gabe Plendcio continued his tremendous start to his senior season with a second-straight first place finish. Following that finish, Plendcio was rewarded with a second PacWest Conference runner of the week honor.

Coming in with a time of 24:36.5, Plendcio raced ahead of the nearest competition by over fifteen seconds. This fantastic result helped the Eagles take first place at the event with 38 points, taking down Division I school Portland.

Plendcio's effort, and that of his teammates, helped Biola skyrocket in the latest NCAA Division II West Region rankings, published by the US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association. The Eagles, ranked No. 23 nationally, moved up to fourth in the west region and should expect movement up the new national rankings on Wednesday. The women's team also moved up in the regional rankings with a strong effort at the Sundowner Invitational, going from ninth to seventh in the west.

The award is Plendcio's seventh all-time conference recognition.

Plendcio will look to continue his winning ways this Saturday as the Eagles head north to take place in the Capital Cross Country Challenge in Sacramento, California. The challenge takes place at Arcade Creek, the location of the NCAA Division II National Championships this year.