MANSFIELD, TX (09.01.18) - The UT Dallas cross country team began its first season under Danielle Kcholi, its first fulltime coach ever, Saturday at the Dallas Baptist University Orville Rogers Opener at the Mansfield Sports Complex.
 

Both the UTD men's and women's teams finished fourth place in the team standings.

The Comets men's team finished fourth in the 8K race behind host Dallas Baptist, Southwestern Assemblies of God and Texas A&M-Kingsville. The Comets were the highest scoring NCAA Division III team with 93 points. DBU, an NCAA Division II program, topped the field with 17 points and six of the top seven individual finishers.

UTD had three male runners finish in the Top 20 of the 71-runner field. Freshman Cannon Leavitt from Twin Falls, Idaho placed 8th, recording a 26:45.0 in his first collegiate race. Sophomore Andres Uriegas had the 16th best time at 27:41.8, while senior Alireza Nourani was 19th at 27:49.3.

Freshman Trent Sakakini (24th, 28:46.7) and junior John Gabriel (29th, 29:06.0) completed UTD's top five scoring runners. Seven other Comet men competed in their first meet of the 2018 season.

The UTD women placed behind host Dallas Baptist, Texas A&M-Kingsvville and the University of Dallas with 124 points.

Junior Hollee Ratliff paced the Comet women with a 20th place finish in the women's 6K, running a 22:12.1. Sophomore Katherine Merola placed 21st three seconds back at 22:15.3, followed by freshman Genna Campain (25th, 22:43.4) and Gina Fossati (27th, 23:00.2. UTD had seven other female runners compete.

COMPLETE RESULTS