LAS CRUCES, NM- The Mustangs battled today in their 2023 season opener at the Lori Fitzgerald Invite held by New Mexico State University.
 
Both teams raced a 5K distance this week.
 
The women kicked off first as Freshman newcomer Liliana Sanchez powered through the finish line with a time of 20min flat. She led the women in placing a team score of 128, putting them 5^th overall. Also in the 20min barrier was Junior returner Lisbet Porras, who crossed the line at 20:52min.
 
On the men's side, the team placed a score of 101, putting them 4^th overall. A solid season start was made by Junior returner Aaron Perez (El Paso, TX/Eastwood HS) as he led the Mustangs to the finish. His official marked time was 15:37min as he took home a 17^thplace individual spot. Finishing right behind him was transfer newcomer, Jarred Baca (Las Vegas/West Las Vegas High School) who was marked at 15:47 and finished 18^th overall.
 
The men's team had 4 runners brake 16min today as the 2022 LSC Freshman Newcomer of the Year Rowan Flores (Española, NM/Los Alamos HS) ran across the line with a time of 15:55min. Following him was 2023 Freshman Newcomer Michael Castorena (El Paso/Parkland High School), who started his career with a 15:57min finish.
 
Both teams look to compete again in Lubbock at the Texas Tech Invite held on Sept. 15^th.


This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter, TikTok & Instagram)