Chico State Women Took Third at Dellinger Invitational
The women's cross country team finished third overall after a strong showing at the Bill Dellinger Invitational.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Running
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The Chico State women's cross country team secured a third-place finish at the Bill Dellinger Invitational in Springfield, Oregon. Despite competing with only six runners, the team outscored several Division I programs.
Why it matters
The performance demonstrated the team's depth and tactical execution, as they surged from 10th place in the opening kilometer to take third overall. The squad finished just three points ahead of UC Irvine despite being shorthanded.
Chico State scored 115 points with their six-runner roster, notably outpacing UC Irvine by a three-point margin. Individual standout Megan Malloy crossed the finish line in 20:48.7.
The players
Chico State women's cross country team
This collegiate athletic program competes in cross country and represents California State University, Chico.
Megan Malloy
She is a member of the Chico State women's cross country team who finished eighth in this event.
Paulina Martins
She is a distance runner for the Chico State women's cross country team who placed 11th in the invitational.
The details
Megan Malloy led the team with an eighth-place finish, followed by Paulina Martins in 11th and Sienna Bianchi in 25th. Kira Forsberg made a significant move during the race, passing 57 runners to climb from her initial position to finish 36th.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: The Bill Dellinger Invitational race occurred in Springfield, Oregon.
Season Trajectory
This result demonstrates the team's ability to remain competitive against larger Division I programs despite missing key personnel like Della Molina. Such performances are critical for the team's momentum as they look toward postseason qualifying and rankings.
The team's 115-point finish provides a major boost to their standing against Division I rivals. Kira Forsberg's performance, which saw her gain 57 positions, highlights the squad's high-pressure racing capability.
The takeaway
The team's ability to maintain a podium finish with a reduced roster of only six runners highlights exceptional tactical depth. Athletes and fans can see how individual consistency, such as Malloy's sub-21-minute time, serves as the foundation for broader team success.
Further reading
For more information on local athletics, visit Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Action News Now.
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