Women's Cross Country Compete at SCAC Championships

October 28, 2023

SEGUIN, Texas - The University of Dallas women's cross country team ended their season at the SCAC Championships hosted by Texas Lutheran University on Saturday.  The Crusaders finished in sixth place with 189 points in the field of six eligible schools; Centenary and Schreiner both had participants in the race, but not enough to qualify for the team leaderboard.  The athletes were tasked with battling oppressive humidity and a sloppy, muddy course as a result of the storms moving through the southern U.S. this week.

Colorado College were the winners with 16 points, occupying seven of the top 10 spots, including the individual champion Kendall Accetta who finished with a time of 23:13.619.

Teresa Cashen led the Crusaders with a time of 29:44.8, finishing in 59th place in the field of 71 runners.  Bre Looney (pictured) wasn't far behind, finishing in 61st with a time of 30:06.090.  Giselle Avalos and Madeline Hilker finished one after the other, Avalos in 65th with a time of 32:26:393, and Hilker in 66th with a time of 34:00.629.

Brenda Chicas rounded out the field, finishing in 58.33.325.  Melissa Gabino had to be scratched from the lineup at the last minute and was unable to compete.

"I'm happy with what the team did today," said head coach Nick Schneigert. "Teresa was battling a migraine and wasn't at 100%, the heat and the humidity made it difficult for everyone, but my freshman recruits soaked in the experience and we improved immensely from last season.  All have developed nicely, and we will only get better as we continue to bring in more talent."

The Crusaders will now have a lengthy break, but all of the cross country athletes will  be returning in the spring for the track and field season.

"The off-season is really important for us; my athletes know how important it is and are prepared to put in the work.  Track season is right around the corner, and I'm excited to see how they will continue to progress," said Schneigert.