RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Arizona Cross Country turned in another strong day at the Highlander Invitational on Saturday, as the men captured the team title and the women placed fifth in a deep field hosted by UC Riverside.

The Wildcat men scored 36 points behind a dominant front pack that put four in the top six among scoring runners. Evans Tanui was the top collegiate finisher in the 8K at 23:26.7, followed by freshman Lawi Ngetich in 23:41.5. Fellow freshman Bryson Nielsen crossed in 23:46.1, and junior Michael Urbanski was right behind in 23:47.0. Connor Grusendorf closed the scoring in 30th to seal the victory for Arizona in a field of more than 250 finishers.

On the women's side, Arizona tallied 176 points to finish fifth. Freshman Praise Chepkemboi led the Wildcats with a third-place finish in the 6K at 20:33.5. Laina Friedmann placed 14th in 20:55.9, and Amelia North added a 28th-placefinish in 21:11.1. Senior Kara Mickelson (52nd, 21:37.6) and freshman Hailey Puklin (95th, 22:14.2) rounded out the scoring five.

Arizona Women's Results (6K)

3. Praise Chepkemboi — 20:33.5

14. Laina Friedmann — 20:55.9

28. Amelia North — 21:11.1

52. Kara Mickelson — 21:37.6

95. Hailey Puklin — 22:14.2

137. Dunja Sikima — 22:48.0

143. Kayla Lark — 22:52.8

Arizona Men's Results (8K)

2. Evans Tanui — 23:26.7

3. Lawi Ngetich — 23:41.5

5. Bryson Nielsen — 23:46.1

7. Michael Urbanski — 23:47.0

30. Connor Grusendorf — 24:23.0

35. Max Liao — 24:25.3

48. Kai Espinosa Golinski — 24:33.8

78. Mateo Pimienta — 25:04.3

181. Cade Russo — 26:32.5