With only five runners on their roster in 2021, the San Bernardino Valley College women's cross country team had little room for error if it wanted to win the Inland Empire Athletic Conference championship.

And just like the last time the IEAC was able to have a championship, it came down to the Wolverines and Chaffey. And just like 2019, it was the Wolverines that edged out the Panthers.

Diana Bautista finished the course at Xavier College Prep in 21 minutes, 1 second to win the individual championship, and her teammates outpaced Chaffey to win their second consecutive IEAC title Friday in an event hosted by College of the Desert.

"Diana made it a point to not go out too fast and just cruise on the first loop," coach Eric Abrams said. "Then she was planning to separate herself on the second loop. Mission accomplished."

Bautista finished 11 seconds in front of Chaffey's Brianna King for the individual title. But it was the work behind the leaders that led to the team title. 

"With just five women, our focus was to keep everyone healthy," Abrams said. "And I'm so proud of the work they have done bringing their interval times down in workouts."

Abrams credited the work done in workouts led by him and his assistants Laura Romero and Fred Lindsley.

"Much of the credit is due to Coach Laura Romero for running with the team all season," he said. "Withouth that kind of guidance, we would not be where we are today. Not to mention Coach Fred, who at 76 years old was consistently pushing the women behind Diana. His presence and ommitment played an integral role in this championship."

Sashi Torres finished third in the field, crossing the line at 23:54, while Litzy Sales finished sixth at 24:58. Noemi Velazquez was ninth and Lenea Gomez was tenth in the field.

Abrams was proud of how his team has come through in a sports year that was challenging after coming back from the pandemic.

"My women knew what they were up against when we only had five on day one," Abrams said. "They all made a commitment to each other and to the coaching staff to be there for one another. And they have been there as a group all season. I am super proud of this group."