CONCORD, Calif---The No. 27 Portland women's cross country team collected third place with 75 points at the West Coast Conference Championships held at Newhall Community Park on Friday morning, with All-American Anna Pataki and Pilots standout Laura Pellicoro each collecting All-WCC honors after producing solid performances in the 6K event. Pellicoro was also named as the conference's Freshman of the Year at the conclusion of the meet.
 
Pataki jumped in the front pack from the get go, and ran strong across both paved and grassy spots on the course, remaining in the Top-10 through the end. The Hungarian native got as far ahead as fourth with just 1000m left in the race, and crossed the line in a time of 20:18.8 to claim sixth-place individually—securing All-WCC First Team recognition for the second year in a row.
 
Pellicoro remained not too far behind the entire time, clocking in with a time of 20:53.5 to take 11th-place overall, and earn a spot on the All-WCC Second Team.
 
Emma Jenkins pushed the pace for the team along the way, nabbing 19th-place by the end with a time of 21:19.8.
 
Veerle Bakker (21:38.8) and Samantha Prusse (21:44.3) rounded out the Pilots' scorers in the 23rd and 24th places, respectively.
 
McKenna Smith completed one of her finest individual performances of the season, garnering a new personal best at the meet in a time of 21:47.9 to land in 26th on the day.
 
"This wasn't our best day, but McKenna Smith really impressed me with the best race of her career," said head coach Ian Solof. "We will need to regroup as we prepare for the regional meet in two weeks."
 
No. 3 BYU notched their fourth repeat team title with just 21 points, led by individual winner Whittni Orton, and the receiving votes Gonzaga Bulldogs finished just ahead of the Pilots in second with 64 points.
 
Portland will have a short break ahead of the NCAA West Regional Meet, set to take place on Friday, November 12th in Sacramento, Calif.
 
WCC Championships
Concord, Calif.
October 29, 2021
 
Women's Team Results—6K
1. No. 3 BYU 21
2. (RV) Gonzaga 64
3. No. 27 Portland 75
4. San Francisco 79
5. Santa Clara 164
6. Saint Mary's 167
7. Loyola Marymount 191
8. San Diego 250
9. Pacific 258
10. Pepperdine 290
 
Portland Individual Women
6. Anna Pataki* (20:18.8)
11. Laura Pellicoro* (20:53.5)
19. Emma Jenkins (21:19.8)
23. Veerle Bakker (21:38.8)
24. Samantha Prusse (21:44.3)
26. McKenna Smith (21:47.9) PR
39. Mie Gam Nielsen (22:27.1)
49. Anna-Sophie Meusburger (22:51.4)
52. Ellie Erikson (22:52.8)
67. Lacey Conner (23:30.7)
 
* Top 10 Individuals All-WCC First Team; 11-15 All-WCC Second Team