Lady Rattlers cross country team places fourth at Pecos

Staff report

Despite a muddy course and shortage of team members, the Lady Rattlers cross country team placed fourth at the Ron Valdez cross country invitational at Pecos last week.

“It was a muddy mess for the runners but the girls and boys finished strong,” said Gary Hittson, head coach.

Hittson said the Lady Rattlers finished behind Penasco, Pecos and Academy for the Technology and the Classics. He said first out on Saturday, the girls had to contend with strong competition that also included schools from Saint Michael’s and Espanola.

Varsity runners Alyssa Martinez, Kyeli Collins and Sierra Sandoval placed in the top 15. Junior varsity runners Celeste Aragon and Melanie Jones placed first and seventh, respectively.

Hittson said the boys placed seventh overall in a field dominated by Penasco, which scored the first seven individual places.

The cross country teams don’t have another event until Oct. 1 at the Mesalands Community College’s Fun Run.