ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico State cross country took on tough competition in the 5k mixed run at the Lobo Invitational hosted by New Mexico on Saturday. The women's team placed second at the meet with a score of 79 while the men took fourth with a score of 94.
 
"A number of the top teams rested their top runners, so it was a great chance for some of our younger runners to gain experience at this level," assistant coach Joseph Rath said. "Our women had a solid outing and managed to come away in second. We had some mixed starts with some moving up well through the field while others got a little too ambitious early."
 
Nichole Gomez was the top finisher for the Aggies, coming in 14th place with a time of 19.28.8. Leah Salazar clocked in at 19:55.6 to finish in 19th. Corinne Hanson followed closely behind the sophomore, recording a time of 20:08.5. Karolin Klumb and (20:25.6) and Meghan Aguilera (20:29.8) finished in 22nd and 23rd, respectively. Nicolette Pacheco closed out the women's squad, posting a time of 20:53.6 in her first race of the season.
 
"Our men's team was made up of freshmen getting their first crack at a college race," Rath said. "I felt like they handled their first time well. They got to see firsthand the type of work it will take to better themselves at this level."
 
Dylan Godfrey clocked in first for the NM State men's team, placing 19th with a time of 17:05.5. Matt Hill placed 22nd when he clocked in at 17:25.4. Freshmen Kurk Goodson (17:45.6) and Luke Wilke (17:47.0) followed closely, placing 25th and 26th, respectively. Eric Araiza Jr. wrapped up the Aggies' squad, finishing with a time of 17:47.8 in his first collegiate meet.
 
"We are excited we got back into the racing season and are looking forward to the rest of the season!" Rath said.
 
NM State cross country is back in action on Friday, Sept. 8, when the Aggies travel to El Paso, Texas, for the UTEP Lori Fitzgerald Open.