Sept. 9, 2006

CALIFORNIA, Pa. - Mercyhurst had five of the top eight finishers as the Lakers opened their season with a team victory at the California (Pa.) Invitational.

Kenneth Foster led the way for Mercyhurst with a time of 24:38, which placed him second overall. Matt Deragon came in fourth with a time of 25:38 on the 4.8 mile course. Deragon just edged out teammate Josh Peterson, who also ran a 25:28 to finish fifth. Nate Smith's 26:03 was good for seventh place and Kurtis Billig was eighth, just eight seconds behind Smith.

The Lakers totaled 26 points to take the team title in the four team invitational. Mercyhurst finished well ahead of the hosting Vulcans, who were second with 62 points. Point Park was third with 65 points and Westminster came in fourth with 93 points.

Other individuals in the race for Mercyhurst included Derek Hoerner in 12th place with a time of 26:45 and Jon Lyons in 13th with a 26:52 final time. Kevin Szczepanski finished 14th in 27:13 and Kevin Flanagan ran a 27:37 to place 16th.

Foster, Deragon, Peterson, Smith, Billig, Hoerner, Lyons and Szczepanski all medalled by finishing in the top 15.

Point Park's Jessie Bender was the individual champion in 24:20.

Just 1:51 spread the Lakers' top runner from their fifth.

The Lakers continue the 2006 season on Friday, September 15 when they travel to South Bend, Indiana for the National Catholic Championships.