Ceres High’s cross country program competed at the Kim Duyst Invitational for the second year in a row.

The meet was staged at River Oaks Golf Course Saturday evening.

“The kids love going to the night run,” head coach Katie Thiele said. “It’s different from all of the other races. It’s nice and cool out there because it’s by the river. It’s perfect running weather. It’s super fun.”

Ceres High’s varsity boys team totaled 302 points en route to a 12th-place finish.

“They definitely exceeded my expectations,” Thiele said.

Gonzalo Rivera Jr. was the Bulldogs’ top runner.

He placed 48th with a time of 14 minutes, 34 seconds on the 2.5-mile course.

Bryan Erenas (14:41), Fabian Amparo (14:45), Jossue Portillo (15:28) and Brian Estrada (16:17) took 54th, 56th, 83rd and 113th, respectively.

Luis Yepez, Ceres High’s top returner, did not compete.

He’ll be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a back injury.

“It’s very sad,” Thiele said. “That definitely hurts us but we still have a very strong group of boys.”

Ceres High’s varsity girls failed to post a team score at the Duyst Invitational due to a thin lineup.

The Bulldogs suited up just four runners for the competition.

“We didn’t have a full team,” Thiele said. “The girls that were there ran really well.”

Jackie Rodriguez paced Ceres High.

She finished in 43rd place (17:38).

“She’s improved by over two minutes,” Thiele said. “She’s been working really hard. I’m super proud of her.”

Bulldog teammates Diana Del Real (18:18), Wendi Lizola (19:00) and Gabby Soto (21:42) took 55th, 66th and 95th, respectively.