The University of Redlands cross country program opened the 2011 season by hosting the Redlands Invitational on Saturday morning on the campus quad and at nearby Sylvan Park. Competing on the 4500m-course, Biola University's Nychele Fischettie ran away with the women's title in 17:03.17, with her teammate Alexandria Sciarra following just four seconds behind. For the men, unattached runner Robert Olivera nabbed the men's title by scorching the 6000m-course in 19:13.84.

The Biola women dominated the top finishers, collecting nine of the fastest times. The lone non-Eagle was Redlands freshman Della Lyle (Buffalo, WY), who made her collegiate debut a memorable one by taking seventh with a time of 17:47.32.

Senior teammate Emily Canales (Redlands, CA) supplied a solid effort in the first race of her final season, coming with a time of 18:28.42. Sophomore Courtney Mera (Redlands, CA) also made the most of her first Bulldog experience by completing the course in 19:20.10 for 14th, while sophomore Vanessa Anchondo (Los Angeles, CA) recorded a top-20 time of 19:24.68.

Aside from Olivera's impressive race, Biola gained the first collegiate men's finisher when Collin Christensen came in at 19:37.49.

San Bernardino Valley College boasted 10 finishers among the top 20 with Erik Peres and Justin Bailey taking 3rd (19:43.26) and 4th (19:46.31), respectively.

For Redlands, senior Duncan Ashby (Goleta, CA) posted a solid time of 20:37 37 to kick off his fourth year with the Bulldogs, finishing as Redlands' top runner in 19th overall. Newcomer Chris Bolt (Reno, NV) backed him with a 26th-place time of 20:52.91.

The Bulldogs look forward to competing again on Sept. 17 when they head to the UC Riverside Highlander Invitational at 7 a.m.