LA'IE, O'ahu - The University of Hawai'i women's cross country team began its 2008 season with a fourth place finish in the Chaminade Invitational on Saturday at the Brigham Young-Hawai'i grass course. Sophomore Mariana Monasi started the season off strong as she led the team with a second place finish crossing the finish line with a time of 19:29.

 

The Rainbow Wahine totaled 78 team points as Hawai'i Pacific captured the women's title with 43 points. Amanda Whitford out of BYU-Hawai'i placed first overall completing the race almost a minute before the pack with a time of 18:38.

 

Among the other Rainbow Wahine athletes placing in the top 25 include Tava Tedesco(20:14, 8^th), Gina Nourmohamadian (21:39, 21^st), Briana Goodnight(21:57, 23^rd), and Shannon Dresser(22:13, 24^th).

 

The Rainbow Wahine will next host the Big Wave Invitational, Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Kane'ohe Klipper Golf Course.