HOBBS, N.M. — The Western New Mexico University women's cross country team earned the team title Friday, September 11, at the NMJC Dr. Steve McCleery Invitational, finishing first overall with 32 points.
The Mustangs put together a strong team performance, placing four runners inside the top 10 of the women's 5K race. WNMU was led by McKenna Sahd (Angel Fire, NM/Cimarron High School), who finished second overall with a time of 19:56.60. Sahd's strong finish helped set the pace for the Mustangs as the team competed against a field of 31 runners.
Following closely behind was Sophie Grijalva (Albuquerque, NM/Cibola High School), who earned a third-place finish with a time of 20:13.20. Sarah Romero (Rio Rancho, NM/Cleveland Sue High School)continued WNMU's strong showing near the front of the field, crossing the finish line in fifth place with a time of 20:33.80.
Juliana Castillo (Albuquerque, NM/Rio Grande High School) rounded out the Mustangs' top-10 finishes, placing ninth overall with a time of 21:09.80. Having four runners finish among the top nine gave WNMU the consistency needed to pull away from the rest of the field and secure the team championship.
As a team, Western New Mexico recorded a total time of 1:43:31, with an average time of 20:42.20. The Mustangs' combination of strong individual finishes and team depth helped WNMU finish on top and open the season with a successful performance in Hobbs, NM.
The women's team will look to carry Friday's momentum into its next scheduled meet as the Mustangs continue their 2026 cross country season.
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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 (X, TikTok & Instagram).
