Poteau, Oklahoma - The Bucks Women's Cross Country team traveled to Carl Albert State College to participate in an early morning race. The women's team competed against fellow NJCAA Region II schools, Carl Albert State College, Redlands Community College, and Connors State College. For the 5K race, the Bucks all finished within the top 10.
The race was paced by Redlands Community College's Kyra Bentley (21:25.1) followed by Iris Martinez and Alayna Fielder from Carl Albert. Sophomore Miriam Mendez (Fort Smith, AR) led the way for the Bucks with a 22:44.8 and finished 4th overall in the race. Carl Albert's Selena Ibarra rounded out the top 5. Shannan Gardner (Ward, AR) and Marlenne Mendez (Fort Smith, AR) finished 6th and 7th for the Bucks with times of 22:58.1 and 23:21.3 respectively. The hometown girl, Faith Hill (Mena, AR), finished 9th overall with a 24:37.1.
Coach Shores was pleased with her women's team performance on a slick and muddy track. "We knew what to expect after running their course last year during the regional, but this year, the rain made it slick. I thought we competed well. My girls continue to work hard and as a team." After competing against our Region II opponents for the second time, Coach Shores was excited and knows it will be anybody's regional to win. "Our region is very competitive with addition of Redlands and Connors State. The 2 races so far have been competitive, and we've had some folks swap places with others compared to the first race. It's up for grabs for whoever wants to take it." The NJCAA Region II Regional will be held on October 12th at the Lion's Club in Mena, Arkansas.
The women will be back in action on October 5th in Fayetteville, AR for the annual Chile Pepper Classic.
#GOBUCKS