GLENDALE, Ariz. - Soka University wrapped up the season at the GSAC Cross Country Championships on Friday morning at Sahuaro Ranch Park in Glendale, Arizona. The Lions finished fifth in the men's 8K and fourth in the women's 6K.
In the women's race, Soka placed fourth with 130 points. The Lions recorded a team total of 2:18:08 and an average time of 27:37.6. Yuko Hashimoto led the team with a 25:25.4 finish, followed by Charlize Bolton (27:03.9), Anna Kawaguchi (28:25.7), Jasmine Lorenzo (28:32.8), and Sara Siegler (28:40.2). Tomoe Hamazaki and Marie Bocanegra rounded out the race for the Lions finishing at 28:45.9 and 34:52.3, respectively.
On the men's side, Soka placed fifth with 163 points. The Lions' finished with a total time of 2:46:51.7 and an average of 33:22.4. Mark Pliushchanskii led the way in 30:55.4, followed by Eiichi Takemura (32:28.4), Daiki Katsukawa (32:33.4), Lev Nakamura (33:48.8), and Gabriel Orozco (37:05.7). Evan Enserro and Lenny Washiya rounded out the race for the Lions finishing at 38:55.7 and 39:05.7, respectively.
The meet concluded the fall season with both squads showing steady improvement and strong finishes across the lineup.