STILLWATER, Okla. - Sophomore Gianna Sbarbaro made history on Monday morning, becoming the first runner in San Diego cross country history to compete at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
 
The All-WCC first team selection finished with a time of 22:15.3, just under two seconds above her time at the West Coast Conference Championships back in February.
 
"We came here to grow and unlock a new unknown," said head coach Will Guarino. "I am very proud of a sophomore woman who ran her heart out and who wasn't scared of the elite stage and competition."
 
Sbarbaro made an early move at the 2000m mark to move up 47 places in the field. She finished the 6k 186th overall and 11th among runners from the West Coast Conference.
 
"It was a very challenging course, but Gianna did not let it destroy her," said Guarino. "She left her heart and soul out there today and represented her team at the highest level."
 
The NCAA Championships marks the conclusion to a unique spring season for the Toreros, which saw both the men's and women's side compete only in the postseason.