For the fourth year in a row, the Saugus girls' cross country team had no equal when it came to racing in California.

But the Centurions aren't placing any extra pressure on themselves to prevent Fayetteville-Manlius of New York from capturing a fourth consecutive title Saturday at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Ore.

Saugus has taken second to Fayetteville-Manlius - the nation's top-ranked team by Harrier Magazine - the past two seasons, including a 66-135 setback last year. But with Danielle Hernando, Merissa Kado and Emily McCarty all making their NXN debuts in the girls' championship race at 11:35 a.m., the Div. II state champion Centurions are comfortable in the underdog role.

"We're approaching it differently than the past," Saugus coach Rene Paragas said. "We're more carefree because we've been there so many times. We're definitely not favored to win, so there's less pressure on us than ever before. Whatever happens, it's just another chapter for us to learn from."

Kaylin Mahoney - who was the top California athlete at last year's meet with an 11th-place finish - makes her third appearance at Portland Meadows, senior Amber Murakami is running for the fourth time on the 5,000-meter course and Stephanie Bulder and Karis Frankian are both making their second trips.