IRVINE, Calif. --- The stage is set for the PacWest Championships on Saturday, as Biola Cross Country is ready to begin its postseason push. The men's race is to begin at 9:00 am with the women's race to follow at 10:00 am, as both teams look to add to their collection of trophies.

Biola Cross Country has set a high standard over its short history at the PacWest Championships. Six years in the PacWest has resulted in six-straight years of top-three finishes by both teams, including three titles for the men and two for the women.

The two conference championships for the BU women's squad have come in the last two years. The team will be looking to complete the three-peat on Saturday in Irvine. 

Throughout the year, the women's team has been highly touted in the regional and national rankings, reaching as high as 15 nationally and entering the weekend at No. 19. Only one other team in the PacWest has been ranked nationally this season and none hold a top-30 rating going into championship weekend.

"The women's team has a different look than years past, but I think they have done a good job over the last couple weeks of coming together as a unit and re-centering on what they are about and what they are trying to achieve," said Head Coach Sean Henning. "I think we are going in with a lot of positivity and a calm demeanor, which will be very helpful for them. They are confident in what they can do and I think they will race really well and hopefully come out with a victory."

On the men's side, the Eagles have outperformed the expectations of many going into the year. The team only trailed APU at last year's championships but came back in 2024 ready for another chance.

Biola began the season just outside of the top 30, nationally, but quickly made the jump up. Two weeks into the season, the BU men's squad moved up to No. 15 and remained steady there heading into this weekend. Azusa Pacific is the other school to have been featured in the national rankings and are at No. 27 entering the conference championships. 

"The men have done a great job all year long of staying committed to excellence in all that they do," commented Henning. "I'm excited to watch them compete tomorrow and aim to win a conference title. They will have a great battle with a couple of teams, but I'm confident that we will run well, and worship the Lord with our best." 

The Biola men return the individual winner from last year, Jerry Baltzer. He along with Melt von Molendorff, Rouxan le Roux, and Aidan Tomasini will look to lead the team to success on Saturday.

The Biola women have a strong lead pack with veteran leadership and experience. Junior Bethany Mapes and 2022 Individual PacWest Champion Lynette Ruiz will look to continue their storied postseason success with an incredible team of runners beside them.

Fans can follow the big event with a live stream here and live results here.