JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —
Ozia Trujillo set a program record in the 5K with a time of 17:07.7 seconds to help the Florida Gulf Coast University women's cross country team finish fourth Friday at the Florida Intercollegiate Invitational, hosted by North Florida.
Siyabonga Mokgothu led the FGCU men's team, placing second in the 8K with a time of 24:46.5 — the eighth-fastest mark in program history.
Trujillo broke the previous FGCU women's 5K record of 17:17.2, set last season by
Karley Piers at the Atlantic Sun Conference championship. The newcomer crossed the line ahead of runners from Florida State, Florida and UCF.
"We are very proud of the women's team for their performance today." FGCU head coach
Argeo Cruz said. "They trained well over the summer and came here ready to compete. We look forward to continuing the momentum this season."
Tess Shultz finished 14th in 18:14.5, followed by
Alise Petrova in 18th at 18:20.7.
Addison Torres took 20th in 18:30.0.
The FGCU women scored 90 points for fourth place. Florida won the team event with 26 points, FSU was second with 52 and UCF placed third with 84.
The men's team scored 88 points to finish third. North Florida won the title with 41 points and Florida was second with 54.
After Mokgothu's runner-up finish, newcomer
Innocent Ntwali placed 13th in 25:17.1.
Evan Casterline finished 15th in 25:18.7, followed by
Hector Toro in 47th at 26:22.1 and
Nekhi Perry in 50th at 26:30.7.
"The men's team had a good start. Some guys stepped up well for the team, and others did not perform up to their capabilities. We look forward to going back to FGCU and getting back to training," Cruz said.
Both teams will return to action on Sept. 12 in Huntsville, Alabama for the Southern Showcase hosted by Jacksonville State.
FGCU Women's Results
4.
Ozia Trujillo – 17:07.7
14.
Tess Shultz – 18:14.5
18.
Alise Petrova – 18:20.7
20.
Addison Torres – 18:30.0
38.
Samantha Ruiz – 19:16.9
42.
Gabrielle Spain – 19:42.9
51.
Haley Bergan – 20:14.6
55.
Mercy Kosgei – 20:33.1
FGCU Men's Results
2.
Siyabonga Mokgothu – 24:46.5
13.
Innocent Ntwali – 25:17.1
15.
Evan Casterline – 25:18.7
47.
Hector Toro – 26:22.1
50.
Nekhi Perry – 26:30.7
52.
Jacob Leon – 26:36.3
72.
Joshua Neilitz – 27:17.2
74. Joel Jean – 27:47.5
80.
Dylan Torres – 28:04.5
106.
Elmer Mijangos – 30:25.6
