The Vaquero Cross Country team began the 2010 season on a positive note as Erika Schaeffer finished fifth at the Ventura Invitational last weekend.

Schaeffer finished in 21 minutes, 27 seconds in the women’s 5k run trimming 93 seconds off her time last year at the same event. Freshman Danielle Low of Los Angeles Trade Technical College won the race with a time of 20:46.

“I was very pleased with today’s results,” Fickerson said about Erika’s performance at Arroyo Verde Park in Oxnard. “Erika ran well within herself today and looked very controlled and confident.”

Sophomore Garrett Edwards finished 12th in the men’s 4k run with a time of 23:13, one minute and 53 seconds behind the winner, El Camino Sophomore David Cardona.

Edwards reduced his time by 67 seconds from last year’s meet.

“It shows he’s on track for an excellent season,” Fickerson said.

A Western State Conference preview meet for men’s and women’s cross country takes place in College Park, Oxnard on Sept. 24.