MOORPARK, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2025) – This morning, on a gorgeous fall day, the women's cross country team claimed its first Western State Conference (WSC) title in 20 years behind an individual championship from sophomore harrier Maya Natarajan who ran her way into the record books.

Natarajan, who also won the UC Riverside Invitational 5K Open Division race earlier this fall, paced the WSC pack to finish today's 5K in a time of 18:08.60. She never trailed in the race, showing strength and leadership from start to finish and ultimately building a 23-second gap.  

She credited strong conditioning and team camaraderie to the victory today, praising her teammates for putting in the work all season, reiterating that it isn't over yet.

A tight-knit group, the Raiders ran really well as a pack with five finishers among the Top 15 and all eight finishers earning All-WSC honors. Joining Nataraja on the First Team All-WSC were Keira Kassi (20:22.20), Kayla Saxton (20:34.21) and Ava Sanders (20:34.21). Both Kassi and Sanders produced personal bests in the race, contributing immensely. Earning Second Team All-WSC honors were Addison Pereira (20:46.30), Dulce Godinez (21:33.60) and Natalia Beltran (21:37.30). Finally, Isabella Shattuck (22:44.20) took home All-WSC Honorable Mention accolades.

"The entire team ran with heart and confidence," said head coach Traycie Kephart.

Moorpark (44) led the way, followed by College of the Canyons (72), Bakersfield (94), Cuesta (99), Allan Hancock (123), Oxnard (145), Ventura (184), Glendale (185) and LA Mission (209).

A big conference victory like today certainly brings momentum to the Raiders heading into the 3C2A Southern California Championships, which are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 7 at NTC Park in San Diego.

In September, Natarajan was named  WSC Runner of the Week, 3C2A Runner of the Week and WSC Runner of the Month. Her list of accolades grew today with more opportunities to build her honor roll over the next few weeks at the 3C2A Southern California Championships and 3C2A State Championships in Fresno.

The 2025 women's cross country team joins squads from 1983, 1984, 1985, 1990 and 1995 as conference champions. Additionally, for the first time in Moorpark College cross country history, both the men's and women's teams earned a WSC Championships team title in the same season after the Raiders men locked up first place today as well.

Women's Cross Country
Results: WSC Championships
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