BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Alabama A&M University senior Laura Avila was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week, the conference announced Monday.
 
Avila earned the weekly honor after capturing the individual title at the Legacy Series Invite on Friday at John Hunt Park in Huntsville.
 
The senior turned in a season-best performance, completing the 5K course in 18:51.4 to finish first overall and lead Alabama A&M to the team championship.
 
Avila helped set the tone for a dominant performance by the Bulldogs, who claimed four of the top four individual finishing spots. Sanyae Gibson placed second in 19:25.9, Mariana Bentancourt-Dennard finished third in 19:31.4 and Iyndia Bey crossed the line fourth in 19:38.7.
 
Alabama A&M finished with 22 points to win the six-team event, finishing 27 points ahead of runner-up Jacksonville State (49). Calhoun Community College was third with 61 points, followed by Tennessee State (121), Mississippi Valley State (125) and Miles (158).
 
Florida A&M's Crystal Malaykhan was selected the women's newcomer of the week. On the men's side, Texas Southern's Jeremiah Barrera and Mississippi Valley State's Colton Harris were named the runner and newcomer of the week, respectively.
 
Alabama A&M returns to action on Friday at the Southern Showcase at John Hunt Park. The women's race is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.
 
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