COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The UTSA cross country programs competed in the first events of the 2018 campaign Friday evening at the Aggie Opener, contested at the Dale Watts Cross Country Course. The Roadrunner women were led by Olivia Flores in the 4.1k event, while Peter Sepulveda paced the men in the 6k.
The UTSA women totaled 97 points to place third in the five-team field, finishing ahead of Houston and Stephen F. Austin. Flores, a junior, paced the squad with a 15:32.2 to place 18th overall. Abby Balli, a freshman, placed 29 with a 16:07.4 in her collegiate debut. Senior Charlette Janicek (16:10.4), freshman Marissa Martinez (16:12.8) and junior Colleen Gilbert (16:17.9) rounded out the Roadrunners' scoring, placing 31st, 32nd and 34th, respectively.
Sydney Sizemore, a freshman, stopped the clock at 16:27.1 to place 37th, followed by junior Gabby Gonzales (41st / 16:31.7) and freshman Briana Gonzalez (42nd / 16:37.6). Rounding out the Roadrunner competitors were Abigail Behring (50th / 17:37.5), Chloe Munoz (51st / 17:42.8), Sarah Estrada (54th / 18:11.8) and Rian Rodriguez (55th / 18:24.4).
Olivia Flores leads the UTSA women to a third-place showing at the Aggie Opener. #BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/kFThXTS6kQ
— UTSA Track & XC (@UTSATrackXC) September 1, 2018
Charlette Janicek and Olivia Flores reflect on today's Aggie Opener.#BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/2mAk8OI27Y
— UTSA Track & XC (@UTSATrackXC) September 1, 2018
The Roadrunner men placed fourth in the event, totaling 108 points, defeating Stephen F. Austin.
Sepulveda, a junior, posted a 19:33.8 to place 20th. He was followed by Martin Luevano, a junior, with a time of 19:43.2 in 25th. Freshman Jake Smith placed 25th after clocking a 19:45.1 in fist college race. Sophomores Zack Kovar (19:57.2) and Josh Rodriquez (19:59.5) placed 33rd to round out the UTSA counters. Senior Luca Chatham (35th / 20:12.4) and freshman Garrett Fowler (36th / 20:13.9) were UTSA's placers.
Omar Bekdache, a sophomore, ran a 20:17.8 to place 37th he was followed across the line by Mason Lischka (44th / 20:44.4), Skye Knight (46th / 20:59.7), Matthew David (47th / 21:08.2), JD Corona (48th / 21:10.8), Marcus Guajardo (50th / 21:19.3), Mason Riley (52nd / 21:35.7) and Christian Castellanos (53rd / 22:00.6).
Peter Sepulveda runs a 19:33.8 to lead the UTSA men to a fourth-place finish at the Aggie Opener. #BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/eHez1IZqw5
— UTSA Track & XC (@UTSATrackXC) September 1, 2018
🗣️ After placing 20th overall at the Aggie Opener, Peter Sepulveda shares his thoughts on the season opener. #BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/UDWv8cUNAi
— UTSA Track & XC (@UTSATrackXC) September 1, 2018
Up next
UTSA returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Stanford Invitational.
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