Della Molina's return to the Chico State cross country lineup didn't take long to earn conference recognition.
Molina was named the CCAA Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week for the fourth time in her career after leading the Wildcats to the team title at Friday's Saint Mary's Invitational in Concord.
Racing cross country for the first time since the 2024 season, Molina finished third overall in 20:18.1 over the 5,950-meter course. She led a Chico State group that placed seven runners among the top 16 and scored 39 points, finishing 30 points ahead of runner-up California in a field made up primarily of Division I programs.
The performance picked up where Molina's last cross country season left off. In 2024, she captured the individual CCAA championship and helped Chico State claim the conference team title before going on to finish 32nd at the NCAA Championships, earning her second consecutive All-America honor.
After sitting out the 2025 cross country season, Molina quickly found herself back near the front Friday. She was 12th at the opening checkpoint before moving up to fourth and eventually joining the battle for the individual victory.
"I felt like I was exactly where I wanted to be at every point in the race until about 800 [meters to go]," Molina said.
Molina ultimately crossed the line behind only two Division I competitors, providing the low stick for a Chico State team that steadily moved through the field as the race progressed.
Just as encouraging for Molina was getting back on the course alongside a Wildcat women's team she believes has developed a special connection. That support was evident from the opening mile, when Molina said the Wildcats were already encouraging one another as they raced together.
"We're all really focused on being positive and uplifting each other," Molina said. "We know it's just a win for everyone."
The Wildcats return to action in two weeks, competing at the Bill Dellinger Invitational in Eugene, Oregon, and the San Francisco State Invitational.
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