Huntsville, Ala. - The UCF cross country team wrapped its season at the 2021 NCAA South Region Final on Friday morning.
"I'm extremely proud of this young team," UCF assistant coach Bryan Jackson said. "Today was the most complete race this team has put together! We needed a finish like this to build the momentum for the future. I'm excited for the journey ahead!"
The Knights finished 15th overall in the 6k race, the best regional finish since 2014 when UCF finished 14th. Three Knights turned in top 100 finishes.
"Today was the first time in a long time UCF has had a top 15 team at a regional championship," Jackson said. "And we're only getting better from here! Five of our top seven today are freshmen, four of them true freshmen."
Valerie Lastra led the way for the Knights in her regional debut with a time of 21:51.68 to finish 78th.
Charlotte Crook finished 86th and set a new personal best with her time of 22:02.52. Kambry Smith crossed the finish line in a collegiate best 22:12.85 to place 97th.
Isabella Babilonia and Lillian Holtery finished within two seconds of each other with collegiate best times of 22:21.32 and 22:23.24, respectively. Rachel Wheatley clocked in at a collegiate best 23:03.22 and Mariana Rodriguez rounded out the day for the Knights posting a 23:29.63.
The Knights will now look to track and field season. Indoor season starts on January 14 with the Clemson Opener.
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