Nov. 5, 2005

ABILENE, Texas -- Led by three runners in the top 30, the West Texas A&M University women's cross country team finished third out of 18 teams at the NCAA-II South Central Regional Cross Country Championships, hosted by Abilene Christian University at Sherrod Residential Park at Abilene, Texas.

WTAMU tallied 149 points, finishing behind Central Missouri State University's winning total of 73 points, just edging host Abilene Christian by two points. The Lady Buffs beat out LSC-rival Angelo State University's 152.

Senior Stephanie Williams finished sixth with a time of 23:17, while sophomore Jisel Bailon was 23rd with a time of 24:29, while junior Ruby Crox was 28 with a 24:38.

Junior Amy Garcia was 36th with a 24:59, freshman Belinda Castanon was 56th with a 25:46, while sophomore Sharen Diggs was 73rd at 27:00 and freshman Nicole Lopez was 104th with a 29:51.

ACU's Trina Cox took individual honors, covering the 6K course in 21:49 to finish first in the field of 127 runners.

The Lady Buffs just missed a berth to the National Championship, as the top two teams and top two individuals from non-quaifying teams advance.

It was a fantastic season for the Lady Buffs, who return everyone but Williams next year. WTAMU head coach Kimberly Dudley was named LSC Coach of the Year after leading the Lady Buffs to a second-place finish at the LSC Championships, as three WTAMU runners, Williams, Bailon and Garcia all earned All-Conference accolades.

-WT-