FRESNO, CALIF. – San Diego State Cross Country traveled to Fresno, California to compete in the program’s final Mountain West Championship meet at the famous Woodward Park. Seven athletes represented the Aztecs en route to a seventh-place finish, tied for the program’s best finish since 2005.
Leading the Aztecs was Emily Van Valkenburg who finished the six-kilometer course with a final time of 21:20.5. This was Van Valkenburg’s second time this season finishing as the Aztec’s top performer. Fellow upperclassmen Samantha Wood was the second member of San Diego State’s team to cross the finish line in 21:34.5.
The trio of Emilia Greenway, Vanessa Cabello and Sara Jones finished 58th, 59th and 60th with all three crossing the finish line within three seconds of each other. Greenway’s time of 21:52.6 had her not only as the third Aztec to finish but also served as the fastest time amongst San Diego State’s newcomers. Vanessa Cabello returned to the team’s lineup after missing most of the season due to injury. Jones 21:55.8 time set a new personal best for the sophomore as well.
Rounding out the remaining Aztecs was the pair of Rebekah Niednagel and Emily Russo. Niednagel posted a final time of 22:14.5 while freshman Emily Russo was the final member of the scoring lineup running 22:26.0
The Aztecs totaled 222 points, good for the second-best total since the 2012 conference championship meet. San Diego State will now turn their attention to the NCAA West Regionals. The six-kilometer race will take place Nov. 14 in Sacramento, Calif. at the Haggins Oaks Golf Club hosted by Sacramento State this year.
Individual Results
- 40th Emily Van Valkenburg – 21:20.5
- 49th Samantha Wood – 21:34.5
- 58th Emilia Greenway – 21:52.6
- 59th Vanessa Cabello – 21:53.7
- 60th Sara Jones – 21:55.8
- 70th Rebekah Niednagel – 22:14.5
- 76th Emily Russo – 22:26.0
- 37th Alexis Wolfinger – 19:55
- 52th Madison Parrone – 21:31