MISSOULA, Mont. — The Sacramento State women earned their highest finish in 10 years at the Big Sky Championships at a cold University Golf Course on Friday. Temperatures were in the high 20s and the majority of the course was covered in snow following a two-day storm leading into the meet.

The Hornet women placed sixth which was their best finish since placing fourth in 2014. The standing is tied for the fifth highest since Sacramento State joined the Big Sky Conference in 1996.

Molly Latincsics posted the fastest time on the team, completing the 5K course in 18:04.9 to place 20th overall. Latincsics' time ranks 17th in Sacramento State history. The sophomore was with the lead pack from the start, completing the first mile in 5:33.1. Latincsics slowed her pace in the second mile which featured a large uphill climb and dropped back eight spots.

Dani Gee ranked second among Sacramento State runners and placed 27th overall in 18:17.7. Gee was able to make up a position over the final 1.1 miles. The Hornets also counted times from Kaleena Narus (31st, 18:21.0), Tia Oliver (36th, 18:49.9) and Kate Sanders (48th, 18:59.6).

Northern Arizona won the team title with an impressive performance which saw the Lumberjacks claim the top seven spots. Elise Stearns repeated as the individual champion in 16:21.10.

Aiden Maddison led the Hornet men to a ninth place finish in the men's 8K race. Maddison ran 25:43.9 to place 44th overall. His time ranks 17th in the Hornet record book and now gives him three of the top 20 times in school history at the meet. Maddison made a move during the third mile, picking up four spots after running 5:11.5 during that stretch. After falling back two spots at the next check point, he moved up one position at the finish line.

Jake Slade had the second-best time for the Sacramento State men. Slade finished in 57th place in 26:28.50. The final three counting spots belonged to Brandon Moreno (61st, 26:59.8), Paden Collard (63rd, 27:53.3) and Ryan Martin (70th, 28:24.7).

Northern Arizona also finished first in the team standings with 20 points. The Lumberjacks were led by Nico Young who won the race in 22:49.8. Montana State was second with 45 points while Weber State was third (91).

Sacramento State will next compete at the NCAA West Regional at Haggin Oaks GC on Friday, Nov. 10. The women's 6K race

BIG SKY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Missoula, Mont. | University GC

Women's Team Standings (5K)
1. Northern Arizona - 15
2. Montana State - 60
3. Weber State - 104
4. Idaho - 109
5. Eastern Washington - 146
6. Sacramento State - 153
7. Northern Colorado - 193
8. Montana - 240
9. Idaho State - 251
10. Portland State - 255

Individual Top Five
1. Elise Stearns, NAU, 16:21.1
2. Annika Reiss, NAU, 16:44.3
3. Aliandrea Upshaw, NAU, 16:46.2
4. Gracelyn Larkin, NAU, 16:47.6
5. Maisie Grice, NAU, 16:51.0

Sacramento State Finishers
20. Molly Latincsics 18:04.9
27. Dani Gee 18:24.7
31. Kaleena Narus 18:27.0
38. Tia Oliver 18:46.9
48. Kate Sanders 19:05.6
50. Ashley Busienei 19:08.0
65. Viviana Valenton 19:44.5
69. Sophia Dudley 19:53.8

Men's Team Standings (8K)
1. Northern Arizona - 20
2.Montana State - 45
3. Weber State - 79
4. Idaho - 119
5. Eastern Washington - 156
6. Montana - 176
7. Idaho State - 181
8. Northern Colorado - 261
9. Sacramento State - 271
10. Portland State - 300

Individual Top Five
1. Nico Young, NAU, 22:49.8
2. Aaron Las Heras, NAU, 23:10.7
3. Ben Perrin, MSU, 23:33.0
4. Kang Nyoak, NAU, 23:37.7
5. Corey Gorgas, NAU, 23:38.9

Sacramento State Finishers
44. Aiden Maddison 25:43.9
57. Jake Slade 26:28.5
61. Brandon Moreno 26:59.8
63. Paden Collard 27:53.3
70. Ryan Martin 28:24.7
72. Kelly Galicia-Thomas 29:10.2
73. Cooper Love 29:24.1