VENTURA, Calif. – Cal Lutheran women's cross country opened its season with a team victory in the Pirate XC Invitational at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura.

Arroyo Grande was one of the more difficult courses that the program has taken on over the past few years with 299 feet of elevation gain and rugged terrain throughout the 5K.

The Regals had 11 runners place, with Alison Orwin, Alexis Gonzalez, and Ellie Sinclair leading the way. Orwin placed 4th with a time of 22:52.4, and Gonzalez was just a few seconds behind placing 5th at 22:54.9. Sinclair came in 6th at 23:19.5 to give the Regals three top-six finishers.

"Excited to start off the season with a team win. Happy with how we worked as a team," said Brett Halvaks. "Looking forward to building off this over the next three weeks as we prepare for our next meet."

Cal Lutheran has a few weeks off before traveling up to Santa Clarita for The Master's Invite on September 20.