GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - The Pirates capped their postseason run with a strong showing at the NCAA West Regionals on Saturday, November 15, finishing 12th out of 21 teams with a team score of 348 in Claremont, California.
Facing one of the deepest fields in the country, the Pirates delivered a steady, team-oriented performance from start to finish. The group packed well throughout the 6K course, maintaining composure through a fast early pace and a competitive middle section that featured several nationally ranked opponents.
The 12th-place finish marks a solid step forward for the program and reflects the team's consistency throughout the fall campaign. Several Pirates posted season-best efforts, helping the squad secure its top-half regional placement.
Head coach Joe Sponsel praised the team's focus and resilience amid the unexpected conditions. "Three straight days of rain wasn't exactly the Southern California welcome we expected, but it never became a distraction. The women adapted to the conditions, stayed locked in on the race plan we've been preparing, and executed with confidence. At championship meets, running your 'best' isn't always about PRs—it's about placement and how many competitors you can move past, and they did that exceptionally well. Their 12th-place finish marks Southwestern's highest regional finish since 2007, and our 348 points were 136 fewer than last year and 252 fewer than the year before. I'm incredibly proud of this team's heart and camaraderie. That unity has been the driving force behind their attitude, mindset, and results all season."
The race concludes the Pirates' 2025 cross country season, highlighted by championship-level resilience, competitive growth, and a strong team culture that carried them to an impressive regional result.
SOUTHWESTERN RESULTS
MEET HIGHLIGHTS
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Sainz climbed an impressive 45 places from her finish at last year's regional meet.
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Martinez delivered a major jump as well, improving 41 spots from a year ago.
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Gilbert made the biggest leap of the group, finishing 51 places higher than her result last season.
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