HOBBS, N.M. – The University of the Southwest Cross Country competed in their first event of the season on this past Saturday at the Lori Fitzgerald Open in Las Cruces. After two athletes' individual performances, they were both able to take home the title of Red River Athletic Conference men's and women's cross-country runner of the week award on Tuesday.

The men's cross country award winner went to Christopher Espino, who secured a time of 18:27, among NCAA Division I athletes at the Lori Fitzgerald Open. Espino's previous record time, since high school, was 18:47. After shaving off 20 seconds, Espino was able to place 70th.

Freshman Elianna Saenz takes home the Women's Cross Country award after placing 52nd at the Lori Fitzgerald Open at her first collegiate meet. Saenz secured a 22:08 time, which lands her 10th on the best 5k distance list in USW history. 

Saenz and Espino will return for action on September 6 in Dallas, with their respective teams, for their second meet of the season. 

-END-