LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV cross country team kicks off its 2014 season at the Fresno State Invitational in Fresno, Calif., Friday. The Rebel harriers will participate in the women's 4.2K race, which is slated for an 8:45 am start at Woodward Park.

The Invitational will have a Mountain West feel to it with Air Force and San José State joining UNLV and host Fresno State. Coincidentally, that quartet as well as the remainder of the conference's programs will convene at Woodward Park on Oct. 31, for the MW Championships.

Rounding out the Invitational's list of participants are Bakersfield, Notre Dame de Namur, UC Merced and William Jessup.

"I'm looking forward to see how we perform together," said head coach Jebreh Harris. "We have been putting in some good work and I believe that we will have a competitive opener."

Auzsane Crowe-Carter will lead the Rebel contingent in Fresno. Crowe-Carter, who finished as high as sixth and seventh in two races one year ago, will be joined by returners Heather Hernandez-Shaw and Sara Williams and newcomers Lindy Eskin, Rebecca Hobby, Vannessa Martinez, Spencer Moore and Nikki Regalado.