Women's Cross Country finished 2nd in its own season-opening Tour de Cuesta and landed all five of their harriers among the Top 21 finishers.  2023 All-State Harrier Elle Casselman (pict) led the way for the Cougars with a runner-up finish (20:41.2), just a few steps behind the Winner Danna Ibarra Canales from Saddleback (19:55.6).  Ibarra Canales and her Bobcats also claimed the team title, 34 to 41, over the Cougars, while Bakersfield went home with the Bronze.  Freshman Serena Stamford shined in her collegiate debut for the Cougars with a 4th place finish, which sandwiched her between two former Cuesta College Athletes of the Year.  Casselman is the school's reigning Athlete of the Year, while Madeline Fletcher, who finished third on the team and 7th overall (22;01.7), was honored as Cuesta College's premier athlete in 2021.  First-year Harrier Quinn Dubrul and Freshman Matilda Bravante completed the Cougars' scoring team after crossing the line in 18th (25:39.2) and 21st places (29:22.7), respectively.  

Cuesta's Harriers shall enjoy a two-week break before they dive into the meat of their competitive season with three races in 15 days.  Next up for the Cougars is the Oxnard Invitational on September 6.