LUBBOCK – The South Plains College men's and women's cross country teams opened the season Saturday at the Texas Tech Open at the LCU cross country course.  

Aron Tanui was the first runner across the line for South Plains in the men's 8k, posting a final time of 27:18.12. Maximus Palacios crossed the line in 28:36.66 for the Texans, while Christian Francisco clocked a 30:16.36. James Solis turned in a time of 31:22.68 for SPC who will be back on the course on Sept. 23 in Hobbs at the NMJC Invitational.  

"Our group went out and competed today and we have a lot of room and opportunity to keep improving," South Plains head coach Erik Vance said. "We have another opportunity next week to go out and get better, and we're going to keep working each day to do just that."  

In the women's 6k, Lilliana Guerrero was the first runner across the line for the Lady Texans in a time of 25:26.70. Esmeralda Espinoza turned in a time of 27:07.60, while Jeniel Jones ran a 29:51.40.  

Following next Friday's meet, South Plains is set to host the South Plains Invitational on Oct. 1 in Levelland, followed by a trip back to Lubbock for the LCU Course Preview on Oct. 7. SPC will then travel to Hobbs for the NMJC Invite #2 on Oct. 14, before competing at the Region V Championships on Oct. 29 in Hobbs.