GUNNISON, Colo. --- Western Colorado cross country hosted their home meet Saturday morning on part of the Van Tuyl trail system. The Mountaineer men and women both won the event going up against the Mavericks of Colorado Mesa University. Â
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The women's team finished with 15 total points, the best team score achievable in a cross country race. As the men's team finished with 16 total points as Jerod Kuhn of Colorado Mesa finished in sixth just before the Mountaineers fifth finisher.
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Leading the Mountaineer men to victory was redshirt sophomore
Charlie Sweeney as he blew away from the pack in the last section of the race, cruising in at a time of 26 minutes and 15 seconds. Coming in behind Sweeny was redshirt
Ryan Outler just 20 seconds back.
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Juan Diaz finished as the second scorer for Western just ahead of redshirt senior
Ross Husch, both clocking a time of 26 minutes, 36 seconds. Seven seconds back was Mountaineer
Evan Sutherland as Western's fourth scorer.
Gage Mayo, as the Mountaineers' fifth placer locked in their first place finish after crossing the line in 26 minutes, 57 seconds.
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The women's team dominated the event from the start as they clinched the top five places, all running under 19 minutes.
Alyssa Tatum earned her first collegiate victory as she put in a final serge to win the event in a time of 18 minutes and 34 seconds.
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The next four, finished within 14 seconds of Tatum with
Katie Doucette clinching second in 18 minutes, 35 seconds.
Alexia Thiros came across in 18 minutes and 37 seconds, just three seconds ahead of
Alexa Rodriguez.
Malindi (Lindi) Congour locked in the victory for the Mountaineers as she was Western's fifth placer to finish, crossing in 18 minutes, 48 seconds.
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The team will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 5
th in Fayetteville, Ark. for the Arkansas Chile Pepper Invite. Â
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