The @jserra.tfxc Girls Cross Country team opened its’ season in dominant fashion under the lights on Friday, as the Lions claimed the Elite Girls Race at the PR City Invitational at the SilverLakes Sports Complex in Norco.

JSerra began the race with its’ scoring pack in the top 11 overall through the first mile, helping stake the Lions to a 95-point lead at the mile marker.

Senior Reese Holley spearheaded the Lions’ collective at the front of the race and came through the second mile marker in a virtual tie for the individual race lead with Isabella Ruiz of Ontario High and Addyson Johns of Santiago High of Corona.

Ruiz and Holley pushed into a thrilling duo finish line battle, with Ruiz (16:18.8) inching past Holley (16:18.9) for the individual crown.

Holley’s runner-up placing ignited a smothering team finish, with three of her teammates also coming across the line in the top 10.

Sophomore Maya Pawlowicz (16:56.3) placed fourth, sophomore Brooklyn Tennant (17:07.5) placed sixth, and junior Kaia Streadbeck (17:19.9) placed ninth.

Senior Hutton Nelligan (17:31.1) capped the Lions’ triumph by finishing 15th overall.

JSerra tallied a winning total of 28 points, 99 points ahead of second place Santiago High of Corona, who finished second with 127 points.

In the Elite Boys race, Lions senior Zac O’Leary was the second fastest non-team scorer in the race, placing 11th overall in a time of 14:39.5.

📸: @dylanstw__ ...