Women's Cross Country Competes at DBU Old Glory Gallop

October 7, 2023

DALLAS, Texas - The University of Dallas women's cross country team competed in the Dallas Baptist University Old Glory Gallop on Saturday.  The field consisted of 33 teams, comprised of NCAA Division II and Division III programs.  The Crusaders finished in 29th place with 908 points, a total time of 2:15:14 and an average time of 27:02 in the women's 5k.  They were without their number three runner, Giselle Avalos, who is recovering from an injury. 

Southwestern University was the only other SCAC member there, finishing in 23rd place with a total time of 1:45:22 and an average time of 21:04.  The hosts Dallas Baptist won the individual and team titles.  They finished with a total time of 1:29:17 occupying four of the top 10 spots.  Lesli Salas was the individual champion with a final time of 17:22.1.

Every runner for UD set a new 5k PR this race.  Teresa Cashen lead the way, finishing 172nd in the field of nearly 300 runners with a final time of 21:15.0, over two minutes faster than her previous best.  Bre Looney was next in line, finishing in 230th with a time of 22:27.9, nearly two full minutes better than her previous PR.

Madeline Hilker shaved a minute and a half off her previous best, finishing in 24:07.3.  Melissa Gabino Benitez posted a time of 26:01.3, shaving seven seconds off her previous best which she set at last year's Old Glory Gallop.  Brenda Chicas finished in 41:23.6, nearly four minutes faster than her previous 5k PR.

The Crusaders are back in action next weekend at the Naimadu Classic hosted by Abilene Christian on Friday, Oct. 13.