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The Lady Pioneers, defending champions, made a first step at repeating for the BWAC title by finishing first with 62 points, four ahead of Richmond (66).

Meanwhile, the C-L boys, a pleasant surprise early in the season, finished second with 58 points, just two points behind Yale (56).

The Pioneers have several new runners on the boys squad this season and have come together quickly as a team.

"This is one of the best standings we've had," said Coach Lisa Shaw, who helps direct the team with husband Rick Shaw. "We've had some great individual runners in the past. As a team effort, though, we're in the hunt. Now these guys know what they have to do."

C-L was led Wednesday by a strong front-running trio of Josh Matthews (6th, 17:57), Adam Martinelli (8th, 18:07) and Taylor Kasper (9th, 18:08). Ethan Campbell (17th) and Asa Choates (18th) were the next two finishers for the Pioneers, coming out of a cluster in final the 1000 meters.

The Lady Pioneers, who have won three invitationals already this fall, utilized their talent and strength in numbers to stay ahead of Richmond and three other dangerous teams. Their top five finishers were all under 22:00 and the next two were under 23:00.

"Our depth showed through," explained Shaw. "Our third runner (Michaela Maze) wasn't (up to par), but she still fought through it. The nice thing is that others on the team stepped it up."

Sophomore Leah O'Connor again led the way for C-L, finishing third in 21:15. Junior Erica Lerma was close behind in sixth at 20:34. They were followed by Joz Worden (13th, 21:08), Amanda Kalso (19th, 21:50), and Maze (21st, 21:55).

The final two BWAC Jamborees are set for Sept. 25 at Algonac and Oct. 16 at Goodells Park.