Cooling systems and methods use first and second evaporators and first and second liquid refrigerant distribution units to increase the efficiency of the cooling systems and methods. The first evaporator is in thermal communication with an air intake flow to a heat load, and the first liquid refrigerant distribution unit is in thermal communication with the first evaporator. The second evaporator is disposed in series with the first evaporator in the air intake flow and is in thermal communication with the air intake flow, and the second liquid refrigerant distribution unit is in thermal communication with the second evaporator. A trim compression cycle of the second liquid refrigerant distribution unit is configured to further cool the air intake flow through the second evaporator when the temperature of the first fluid flowing out of a main compressor of the second liquid refrigerant distribution unit exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature.