LAKE CHARLES, La. - Lamar University's cross country teams began their season with a big bang as they dominated the McNeese Season Opener hosted by McNeese State. With two first place winners, both teams finished in the top five as the men claimed the overall team title while the women took third.
The women, who with 52 points finished five points behind overall winner Stephen F. Austin, began the meet at 6:00 PM.
Yasmin Austridge was able to take home the crown as she crossed the line at 9:59.5 seconds making her the only runner to break the 10 minute mark.
Nia Clatworthy crossed the line in fifth place at 10:26.8 while
Jillian Howard also finished in the top 10 in ninth place at 10:34.7.
Ashleigh Willis (10:40.8) and
Mykayla Mims (10:50.7) each crossed the line in 16th and 19th place respectively while
Hailey Cleggett placed 27th at 11:20.1.
Jazaline Ayala (32nd) posted a time of 12:10.6, which was almost 32 seconds in front of
Natalee Bergeron (12:42.0), who finished 34th.
"Our women showed how much they've grown over the past year with today's performance," said head coach
Trey Clark. "They're excited about some goals they've set for the year, and today proved to them that they're headed in the right direction. Yasmin was especially impressive, translating last spring's success on the track to the grass now."
Meanwhile, the men, who tallied 48 points, bested the host school by two to claim the title.
George Wheeler led the way as he crossed the line first at 17:43.7, which topped the second place runner by eight seconds.
Eli Peveto took fourth place coming in at 18:05.3.
In their first collegiate meet,
Crawford Kiser (18:25.7) and
Hayden Eubank (18:30.6) finished 13th and 14th respectively while
Conor Smith placed 16th at 18:56.4.
Geovany Cisneros (19th) placed inside the top 20 with his time of 19:17.
Alejandro Villalva (26th; 19:38.1) and
Aaron Saenz (27th; 19:40.9) each crossed two seconds apart, which was enough for LU to clinch the title.
"Although we lost a handful of guys to graduation last year, this freshman class is eager to come in and contribute," said coach Clark. "We ran under control as a pack the first couple of miles, and then tried to work it from there. George and Eli were as reliable as ever, and Crawford and Hayden stepped up to help us win the team battle. It was a fun way to kick off the season."
