GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - The Southwestern University women's cross country team turned in a determined effort on October 4th at the Chile Pepper XC Festival 6K in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Competing against a competitive field of 25 teams, the Pirates earned a 14th-place finish, showcasing their grit and continued progress throughout the season. The race served as a valuable test as the team looks to peak in the coming weeks.

"This meet was another step in the right direction for the women this week. We have been talking about adding layers to our race plan and preparation through the season and the energy and size of this meet was the next layer for us. The women handled it really well and we came away with a lot of PRs. Our team standings at the end were hurt by us missing a few runners due to illness and injury, so we know we could have finished even higher once everyone is back healthy. Our next race is at home where we get to zero in on how exactly we want to race the course in preparation for the conference meet at the end of the month," head coach Joe Sponsel stated post meet. 

MEET HIGHLIGHTS

• Isabel Sainz set a 27 second personal record

• Hallie Martinez shaved 16 seconds off her previous best

• Casey Gilbert improved 29 seconds

• Sarah Rothe posted a strong race earning a 20 second PR

• Sylvia Baldwin cut off 9 seconds from her personal best

• Irene Ramirez matched her personal record

• Abigayle Stubby-Kern highlighted growth running 26 seconds faster than her previous best

SOUTHWESTERN RESULTS

• Isabel Sainz - 19:15.7

• Hallie Martinez - 20:34.8

• Casey Gilbert - 21:04.2

• Irene Ramirez - 21:34.0

• Sarah Rothe - 21:43.8

• Sylvia Baldwin - 22:03.8

• Emily Chaires - 22:11.2

• Abigayle Stubby-Kern - 22:23.5

• Sophie Sullivan - 22:27.8

• Daniela Ramirez - 22:33.3

• Elizabeth Upton - 22:35.9

• Lily Rusell - 24:05.6

UP NEXT

• The Pirates return to Georgetown on October 18th to host the SU Showdown, aiming to capitalize on home course advantage and keep building toward a strong finish to the season.