TUCSON, Ariz. (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV junior Natalia Ruiz once again paced the Rebels' cross country team as she took fifth place in the women's 6k at the Dave Murray Invitational, which was held Friday morning at Randolph Golf Course.

Ruiz ran the third-fastest time in school history in the event at 20:44.0 among a strong field that included No. 2 Northern Arizona. Three NAU runners finished ahead of her, along with an unattached, with Maisie Grice finishing first in a time of 20:32.5.

It marked the second competition of the 2023 season for Ruiz and third overall for UNLV. Ruiz began her season by running a school-record time in the 5k in California two weeks ago, earning Mountain West Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Week honors.

Senior Isabella Schrader also turned in a strong performance Friday, finishing close to her personal best at 22:54.9, with a 32nd place showing. There were a total of 74 runners entered.

Also running for the Rebels on Friday were sophomore Abigail Danlag, sophomore Nicole Boskovich, senior Jaida Lyles, freshman Alana Sangprasit, freshman Eliana Rivera, sophomore Aine McDade, senior Morgan Aittama and sophomore Taylor Gauthier.

The Rebels are under new leadership with track & field/cross country head coach Carmelita Jeter and cross country assistant coach Adam Meyer, both in their first season at UNLV.

NEXT FOR THE REBELS: UNLV's next race will be Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Santa Clara Bronco Invitational in California.