EL MONTE – All-conference performances by Austin Huff and Eric Malain helped Humboldt State's men to a fifth place finish at the California Collegiate Athletic Association Cross Country Championships held Saturday.

In the women's race, sophomore Bridget Berg led Humboldt State in her first race of the season after being held out with injuries. Her 21st finish helped the Lumberjacks place 8th overall in the 11-school field.

Chico State was an easy winner in both the men's and women's team battles. The Wildcats' Kara Lubieniecki won the women's individual title and Chico State's Brent Handa claimedd the men's championship.

Huff placed eighth overall for the Lumberjacks, timing 25 minutes, 3.6 seconds on the 8,000 meter course. Malain finished 14th in 25:23.7, also earning all-conference honors awarded to the first 15 finishers.

Ben Stern had a breakthrough race for the Jacks, claiming HSU's No. 3 position and finishing 36th overall in 26:41.3. The Lumberjacks' fourth scoring athlete was Joe Ostini, 38th in 26:45.2, and Derek Lactaoen moved into the scoring pack with a 39th-place finish in 26:49.4

Placing behind Chico State in the men's team battle were Cal Poly Pomona, UC San Diego and San Francisco State. Behind the No. 5 Lumberjacks were Cal State Stanislaus and Cal State Monterey Bay.

Following Berg, who completed the women's 6,000 meters in 22:54.5, was HSU's Amanda Camarillo, who placed 27th in 23:18.9. Alizah Rotman was 46th in 23:54.4, Irene Graham took 55th in 24:09.6, and Tess Dahlgren was 59th in 24:15.1.

Following Chico State in the women's championship was Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Stanislaus, Cal State L.A., UC San Diego, Cal State San Bernardino and San Francisco State. Behind the Jacks were Sonoma State, Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State Monterey Bay.