VANCOUVER - In a final tune-up before the CIS Championships, the UVic Vikes men's and women's cross-country teams put forth a strong showing at the BC Open Championships on Saturday.

#Matt Pieterson# placed sixth overall in the senior 10km, crossing the finish line in 31:12. Vikes alumnus, and three-time CIS All-Canadian, Geoff Martinson finished just ahead in ninth place. #Daniel Mallie# was also amongst the top finishers, placing 10th, and #Cliff Childs# was close behind in 13th.

In the women's 6km, the Vikes top runners were #Shauna Skinner#, #Laura Mitic# and #Julia Tschanz#, who placed in order at 13th, 14th, and 15th. Vikes aluma Marilyn Arsenault won the race in 20:32.

In the junior competition, a fourth place finish from #Kyle Irvine# led the Vikes assault on the final men's standings. Seven of the top 12 finishers were UVic runners. Meanwhile, #Brittany Therrien# finished second in the women's 5km race.

Complete results available at: www.bcathletics.org

Up next for the Vikes is the CIS Championships, which take place November 14 in Kingston, Ont. The men's and women's teams have combined for 13 team titles and 64 All-Canadians at the national meet.