FULLERTON -- Cal State LA's women's cross country team got in its final preparations before the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championships on Friday in Fullerton.

Amelia Mercado had another strong run to lead the way in the John Elders Invitational on the campus of Cal State Fullerton. Mercado finished 72nd in a field of 173 runners with a time of 19:56.3 over a 5,000-meter course. It was the sixth time in six races that Mercado has been the team's No. 1 runner.

Paloma Sanchez was next for the Golden Eagles, finishing 72nd with a time of 19:56.3. Vanessa Monrreal was 142nd in 22:53.8, Justice Goon was 149th in 23:38.0 and Sanaia Woods was 165th in 26:05.1.

Cal State LA will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 5 in the CCAA Championships hosted by Cal State Monterey Bay.