For the first time since 1999, #9 Westmont Women's Cross Country has claimed the Golden State Athletic Conference championships. The Warriors tallied 41 points at the 5,000 meter race; beating #16 The Master's who claimed second place with 54 points. Biola, ranked #13, notched third place with 78 points. "They were never really in danger of falling behind," said Westmont head coach Russell Smelley who was named the GSAC Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year. "They were in good position the whole way and improved their position over the last mile. They were challenged, but they did what they needed to do." Four Warriors were named to the All-GSAC team as a result of finishing in the top 14. Kelly Collins placed second in a time of 18:12 while Jessica Meyers was fourth in a time of 18:22. Corrine Cherne claimed seventh place with an 18:36 finish while Heidi Nichols was 12th crossing the finish line in a time of 19:02. It is the first time since 1998 that four Warriors have earned all-conference honors. "Heidi and Corrine, as senior leads, really were the spark plugs of this success," credited Smelley. "For the first three years, they had good days and mediocre days and average days. This whole season they have had good races because they focused in, decided they could do it and decided that they wanted to do it. They made it happen and the team followed their leadership." [men's results] [women's results] [photos]