NORTHRIDGE – The CSUN men’s and women’s cross country teams completed the 2018 season Saturday at the NCAA West Regional Cross Country Championship at Haggin Oaks Golf Course in Sacramento.

For the women’s side, Heidi Eligio paced the Matadors with a 171st overall finish and a time of 22:31.8. Katie Alvarenga finished 210th in her final race as a Matador with a time of 23:09.2. Rounding out the Matador women, Joy Bosede would post a 227th-place finish with a time of 23:49.5.

At the event, Eligio led the Matadors for the third-straight time in her young collegiate career. The sophomore also paced the Matadors at the Big West Championships on Oct. 27 with a 31st-place finish.

Leading the men’s team in his final race for CSUN was Michael Merchan. The senior from Puerto Rico finished in 183rd place with a time of 33:32.6. Following his lead was Mario Ramirez (188th, 33:42.5), David Hidalgo (204th, 34:53.9) and Robby Foster (205th, 34:58.4).

Merchan enjoyed an incredible season with the Matadors in 2018. Two weeks ago at the Big West Championships, Merchan posted the Matadors’ best ever male finish by coming in fourth in the race. Merchan was also named Big West Runner of the Week twice this season, becoming the first Matador to ever win the conference’s weekly award.

“I think the athletes performed well if you are considering that the West Region is the most competitive region in the country.” Coach Lawrence Johnson said. “In all likelihood, the Individual and Team NCAA XC National Champions will come from the West Region. I was impressed by all of our athletes. Making it to the postseason is quite an accomplishment.”