FORT WORTH, Texas — Sophomore ARLO GONZALES blazed the trail for St. Edward's University on Saturday, guiding the Hilltoppers to an eighth-place finish at the Lone Star Conference Championships at AP Ranch.

Gonzales, who ran a tactical and gutsy race, crossed the finish line ninth overall in 25:19.1, earning all-conference honors. His effort kept St. Edward's in striking distance of the top teams throughout the race.

Seniors MELECIO ORTIZ (32nd, 26:09.5) and AJ PENA (41st, 26:29.8) provided steady support, while PARKER STEVENS ran a strong 27:08.8 to place 59th. WILLIAM SULENTICH (66th, 27:32.4), JAVIER RAMIREZ (71st, 27:43.2) and Gabe Hernandez (79th, 27:56.1) rounded out the Hilltoppers' lineup, giving the team a solid showing despite a competitive field.

For St. Edward's, the focus now shifts to the NCAA South Central Regional Championships on Nov. 8 in Pueblo, Colorado. The Hilltoppers will aim to carry the momentum from their LSC effort into the postseason, leaning on Gonzales' lead performance and the depth of their roster.