The Brooklyn College Cross Country teams had an auspicious start to their 2008 season as the women finished in second place out of nine teams and the men finished in third place out of eight teams at the Baruch College Invitational at Van Cortlandt Park on Sunday.

The women’s team came in second in the 5K race, behind host Baruch College. Brooklyn's score of 85 edged out The College of Mount Saint Vincent (90) and John Jay College (91). Freshman runner Khrystyna Uhlitskykh (photo) led the way, finishing 10th overall with a time of 29:45 in her first collegiate race.

Senior Huan (Kayllen) Zhang (photo) had a strong race, finishing 14th overall with a time of 30:21, while Freshman Joanne Mundo finished 25th overall with a time of 33:30.

The men’s team placed third with a score of 84, coming after winner Cooper Union (47) and SUNY Maritime (53). Timothy Mann led the way for Brooklyn, finishing fourth overall with a time of 31:10. Arvind Badhey finished fifth with a time of 32:12.

The Brooklyn College Women's Volleyball (1-4) earned their first victory of the 2008 season by defeating Maritime (0-1) in three sets, 25-12, 25-13, and 25-12.

"It was a great serving night," boasted Head Coach Joanne Riggs, who watched her charges record 21 service aces.  Senior outside hitter Jasmine Thimothe led the way in that department, picking up a career-high eight aces, while junior outside
hitter Evelyn Blaise added four aces.  Freshman middle hitter Caitlin McMullen had a solid all-around match, as she had five kills, two aces, and two digs.  Junior setter Rosaura Arias led the Bridges with 18 assists.  She also picked up three service aces.

BC returns to action Saturday, as they play their first CUNYAC matches of the season, taking on the New York City College of Technology and Lehman College respectively in a Multi-Match that will be held at the Lehman College Apex.

The Brooklyn College Men's Soccer Team began their 2008 campaign with a victory, earning a 4-2 decision over FDU-Florham (0-5). Senior Elis Llagami led the Bridges, as he recorded a goal and an assist in the win.

BC will return to the field on Friday afternoon, as they take on Maritime College in a non-conference game. The opening kick is set for 4:00 pm at
Kingsborough Community College.