RUIDOSO, NM --- The Wayland Baptist cross country teams were in action for the first time on Friday at a dual meet with Texas Tech and the 12-ranked Pioneer men defeated the Red Raiders, 23-32.

The Pioneer men put three runners in the top five and two others in the top ten. Freshman Kennedy Kithuka won the 3.8 mile race in a time of 20:01. Edward Taragon, another freshman, was third in 21:02, and sophomore Hildon Boen came in fifth with a time of 21:32. Two other WBU runners, sophomore transfer Jordan Vallen (21:46) and junior Lucius Lopez (22:04) were close behind in sixth and eighth place respectively.

Also representing Wayland was junior Victory Lemay (15th - 23:22).

Pioneer coach Brian Whitlock, who believes his men's team could challenge for the top spot at the NAIA Cross Country Championships in mid-November, was pleased with the way his squad ran.

"I was real happy with the guys. Any time you beat a big school like that it's good. We've run against them every year for six years now, and this is the first time we've beaten them.

"We have a chance to do some really big things this year and today was just the first step."

On the women's side, the young Pioneer squad struggled against the 4th-ranked Lady Raiders. Tech had the top six runners and eight of the top 10 to finish with 15 points.

Senior Diana Guiterrez crossed the finish line in seventh place with a time of 18:53. Sophomore Milca Villegas was ninth in 19:06 and freshman Kristy Hannah ran a 19:33 to finish 11th.

Those three were followed by sophomores Catherine Leubner (19:53) in 13th place and Jennifer Secrest (20:00) in 14th. Three freshmen -- Kolette Dayish (17th - 21:18), Mackola Joseph (19th - 22:30), Kendra Dunn (20th - 23:35) rounded out the group of Pioneer women.

"Our women did fine against a team that is one of the best in the NCAA right now. If this group can stay healthy, we have a real shot at winning conference. Diana is running better than she ever has, Milca is right on target, and Kristy is a freshman who will only keep getting better.

"Jennifer is coming along, and if we can figure out what is wrong with Catherine and get her running like she did last year, we should be set for the SAC meet in November. "