Bifa wins Region V Title, NMJC (WXC) Finishes 3rd in Region V/WJCAC
Sophomore Yididiya Bifa won the Region V individual title to remain undefeated on the season on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Bifa ran a 17:12.00 to break the Harry McAdams course record and move into No. 2 all-time for the women's team behind Caroline Jepleting's 15:55.00 set in 2009. The Addis Ababa, Ethiopia native's previous best this year was a 17:33.00. Bifa has won all four races she has competed in so far this season.
Odessa finished in first place in Region V with 32 points, El Paso CC was in second place with 56 points, and NMJC placed third with 71 points.
Amal Kachouri placed 10th overall this season at the Region V Championship. Kachouri recorded an 18:28.00 in the 5k on Saturday. The sophomore from Sfax, Tunisia is still coming back into form after starting the season injured.
Lindsey Lopes was the third runner across the line this week with a time of 19:26.70. The sophomore placed 19th overall running her personal best at NMJC by 33 seconds.
Sophomore Lisel Ndlovu was one spot behind in 20th place with a time of 19:34.00.
Hadil Chiha rounded out the team score with a 24th-place finish after crossing the finish line in 20:05.40. Elsa Gueret was the final runner on the course for NMJC, running a 21:24.00 to come in 36th place.
Sophomore Ines Mrabet missed the Region V Championship with an injury, but the T-Birds are hopeful to get her back for nationals.
The T-Birds have two weeks off before they compete at the 2025 NJCAA Cross Country Championships at 1 p.m. CST on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Lakeside Municipal GC in Fort Dodge, IA.
The women will also compete in the Half Marathon at 10 a.m. CST on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Lakeside Municipal GC in Fort Dodge, IA.
