Despite warm temperatures last Saturday, Immaculate Heart High School’s cross country teams sizzled during the 43rd annual Bellarmine-Jefferson Invitational at Griffith Park.

(photo courtesy of Immaculate Heart)

The varsity team placed first among 15 teams in a meet that featured 124 runners. The junior varsity team narrowly missed first place by one point as it competed with 12 teams and 144 runners.

Fifteen runners also earned medals for their performances, including varsity team members Amber Creasey, Daisy Salinas, Carolyn Najera, Violet Marko, Lily Kachikis, Madeleine Creasey and Katie Hughes. Junior varsity runners Ashley Galvez, Catherine Gibson, Orla Hladky, Emily Alonso, Lola Salinas, Hana Chun and Jade Escobar also received medals.

“Even with the excessive heat, our girls ran with heart,” said Immaculate Heart athletic director Maureen Rodriguez. “Congratulations to all runners and especially Coach Fedi for her dedication and persistence.”

Next weekend, the team travels to Palo Alto to compete in the Stanford Invitational.Immaculate Heart is located at 5515 Franklin Ave. For information, call (323)461-3651, or visit www.immaculateheart.org.