The Oregon women’s cross-country team wasn’t supposed to be this dominant. The Ducks saw two of their top runners follow their former coaches to Washington even before summer training began. With a new coach, new members and a new training plan, the women have found a way to continue being one of the best teams in the country.

The No. 2 women took first place at the regional race in Sacramento, California, on Friday with 44 total points, just edging out Boise State, which finished with 49 points. The Ducks placed three runners in the top 10, with Jessica Hull finishing second overall in 19 minutes, 22 seconds. She was outkicked by Boise State’s Allie Ostrander, who won in 19:09.
The Ducks’ depth was on full display against the best teams in the western region. Susan Ejore was right behind Hull in 19:24.
On the men’s side, Portland and Washington went 1-2, with 77 and 82 points, respectively. The men finished fifth, and awaited an at-large announcement for their bid into nationals because only the top two teams automatically qualify. They earned the at-large bid on Saturday.

Blake Haney was Oregon’s top finisher in eighth place, going 29:48 for 10 kilometers. Sophomore Cooper Teare was the second scorer for Oregon, finishing 18th in 29:53.

With an amp in training miles this season with new coach Ben Thomas, the men were expected to be ready for the first 10k race of the season. But with the tough competition, the men did not do enough to automatically qualify.
The women are a lock for the NCAA Championships, which will go down in Madison, Wisconsin, on Nov. 17. Currently, FloTrack.org, a running website, lists Oregon as the last at-large bid to get into the final race of the season. The teams expected to announced on Sunday.

Follow August Howell on Twitter @howell_august