The University of New Mexico women’s cross country team, took on the elite of the NCAA women’s long distance going up against 15 of the current top-30 ranked teams in the nation, including seven in the top 10. The expectations for the Lobos were to claim the title as the No. 1 team in the country, but with all the tough teams in this huge cross country event they placed two runners in the top-three and three runners in the top-10. Colorado recorded an 11-point victory over No. 5 Boise State (80-91) and a 50-point win over top-ranked New Mexico (80-130) despite the Lobos placing three in the top 10.

Eritrean Weini Kelati showed that she is a force to be reckoned with as the top-finisher for the UNM Lobos, finishing runner-up in 19:35.9. Junior Edna Kurgat of Kenya, finished 3rd with a time 19:38.8 while Senior Charlotte Prouse gave New Mexico its third top-10 finisher with a seventh-place showing of 19:55.0. Kelati who is now a sophomore took the second place as she slightly defeated her top ranked team mate, who is one of the best in the country.
Towards the end of the race Kelati was edged out by Wisconsin’s Alicia Monson for the title, but this young lady improved her time from last year’s Nuttycombe race by 31.9 seconds to take the runner-up spot. Congratulations to Weini as she gets ready for the next race and the NCAA Championships which will be taking place in the same course at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
Different contributions: Written by Eri-Internationalsports.org