RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- The Southern Utah Thunderbird cross country teams swept the competition at the UC Riverside Invitational to earn their first win of the season.

On the women's side of the team, Angie Nickerson led the pack in the 6K. Nickerson finished first with a time 20:00.06.

Madison Fruchey followed with a time of 20:26.2 placing third in the competition. Maddy Kauffman (20:41.9), Alison Pray (20:47.2) and Julieta Navarrete-Lamas (20:53.4) all finished in the top ten of the race.

The women finished first in the competition ahead of their recent defeaters, UVU.

Aidan Reed finished first for the men's team and second in the competition with a finishing time of 24:02.1 in the 8K. Reed was followed by Christian Ricketts (24:04.7) in fourth place. George Espino (24:09.2) and Nate Osterstock (24:17.9) stayed close behind.

The men's team finished first as well.

"I'm very proud to be working with athletes that are so hungry for success," commented Head Coach Eric Houle. "I think we might be looking at the best teams this university has seen."

The Thunderbirds will compete next at the Idaho State Invitational on Saturday, September 22.

Stay current on the Thunderbird cross country programs by following @SUUTFXC on Twitter and Instagram and like the Southern Utah Track and XC page on Facebook.

Head to www.suutbirds.com for all Thunderbird athletics news.