RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Sophomore Manny Aguayo led the Hope International men's cross country team at the 45th annual UCR Invitational on Saturday at the Ag/Ops Cross Country course.

In his debut as a Royal, Aguayo paced the squad in 57th place on the 8K layout in 28 minutes, 47.7 seconds. Junior Caleb Ornelas was the second Royal across the finish line, clocking 29:29.4 for 71st place.

Sophomore Luis Contreras also competed, finishing in 98th place in a time of 34:24.0.

The Open "B" field consisted of 101 competitors.

HIU returns to action on Saturday, October 3 at the TMU Invitational in Santa Clarita.