Molina Leads Trojans to 12th Place at NJCAA Championships

Molina Leads Trojans to 12th Place at NJCAA Championships

Huntsville, Alabama - In a display of skill, determination, and athletic prowess, the Trinidad State College Trojans Women's Cross Country team delivered a commendable performance at the NJCAA Cross Country Championships held in Huntsville, Alabama, this past Saturday. With over 180 athletes competing in the Women's Division 1 Championship race, the Trojans showcased their mettle, led by standout runner Alliyah Molina.

Alliyah Molina's exceptional performance was a highlight of the race, as she battled within the lead pack for the entire 5k distance. Crossing the finish line in 4th place overall with an impressive time of 17:40, Molina not only secured a top position but also earned coveted All-American status, a testament to her outstanding capabilities as a runner.

Teammate Megan Garrett also delivered a remarkable performance, finishing 33rd with a personal best time of 18:56. Garrett's dramatic improvement over the course of the season solidified her role as a strong and reliable runner for the Trojans, particularly in the final two meets of the season.

Shania Chavez, consistent throughout the year, showcased her reliability once again, crossing the line in 59th place with a time of 19:49. Chavez's contributions have been crucial to the team's success throughout the season.

McKenna Guymon, who exhibited impressive progress, improved by nearly 5 minutes since the start of the season. She secured the fourth scoring position for the Trojans, finishing in 98th place with a time of 20:47.

Carli Valdez, in 135th place, rounded out the scoring runners for Trinidad State, contributing to the team's 12th place finish. Valdez's substantial improvements from the previous year played a pivotal role in the Trojans' successful season, which included winning another Region IX Championship and achieving a top-15 placing at Nationals.

Coach Lauren Masterson expressed her pride in the team's performance, stating, "This team did a great job all season. Alliyah has led us from the beginning with low points all season. The rest of the ladies have done everything we've asked of them and consistently improved to be completely different athletes to cap off the year."

As the Trojans bask in the glory of their achievements, the journey is far from over. The team is set to return to action on Tuesday morning in the NJCAA Half Marathon National Championships, where they aim to continue their success and make a mark on the national stage.