Lady Lions Cross Country shine at Gonzales

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                             

     The Lockhart Lady Lions cross-country team turned in an impressive performance at the Gonzales Apache Invitational, with the varsity squad capturing a first-place team finish in the 5K division and the junior varsity team earning fourth.

     Opting for the longer 5K course instead of the traditional 3.2K option, the Lady Lions challenged themselves by competing alongside varsity boys teams. As the only girls’ program to choose the 5K, Lockhart secured the team title while producing standout individual times across the board.

     Alicia Sanchez led the charge, crossing the finish line in 23:20 to claim first place. She was followed closely by Melanie Rodriguez (24:21), Clarissa Martinez Olvera (24:27), and Alicia Rodriguez (24:27), who swept the next three spots. Pyper Bornerman (25:43), Sofia Rodriguez (25:50), and Katherine Silva Garcia (26:58) rounded out the top seven.

     Head Coach Reuben Ortiz praised the effort and strategy. “We chose this option because I wanted the ladies to get the extra mileage,” Ortiz said. “It was a no-pressure situation. I told them to just run and pick off as many boys as they could, and they did. Every one of them hit a season best, and some hit personal bests. We’re clicking at the right time.”

In JV action, Lockhart’s depth was on full display as the team battled to a strong fourth-place finish, later adjusted after a tiebreaker ruling.

     Junior Dayana Delgado led the way with a 6th-place finish, clocking 15:29 for the two-mile course. Newcomer Kendra Mendoza earned the final medal spot at 25th overall (16:27) thanks to a late surge. Teammates Brianna Chavez Vasquez (17:09.32) and Zoie Ledesma (17:09.36) pushed each other stride for stride, finishing 28th and 29th, respectively.

      The race came down to photo finishes for the next pack of Lady Lions: Janae Torres (18:04.09, 39th) edged out Nora Gerke (18:04.53, 40th) by fractions of a second. Nevanna Rodriguez (18:50, 44th), Alahni Herrera (19:09, 47th), and Abigayle Stewart (20:32, 49th) added valuable depth.

     Ortiz emphasized the importance of the group effort. “This was a big team win for us. Our pushers, those 6th and 7th runners, don’t score points but they push other teams’ scores higher. Every girl contributed today. From top to bottom, they were on fire.”

The Lady Lions will return to action this Saturday at the 3rd annual Sandia Invitational in Luling.