SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Converse University cross country teams are headed down to the coast of the Palmetto State this weekend when they compete in the 17^th annual Sand Shark Invitational, hosted by the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
 
Location: Bluffton, S.C. (Hardeeville School Complex)
Time: 8:30 a.m. (Men's 8k), 9:15 a.m. (Women's 5K)
 
Women's Notes:

• The Valkyries are back in action for the first time since the Converse Kick-Off on September 21^st.
• Converse currently ranks 6^th in the latest Southeast Region Poll and is still the highest ranked Conference Carolinas team in the poll.  
• Last time out the Valkyries were the top Conference Carolinas team in the Converse Kick-Off and finished sixth overall.
• Ruth Spijker was the top finisher on the women's side for Converse and she was named Conference Carolinas Runner of the Week for her efforts on the course. The junior finished 17^th overall and recorded a 6K time of 22:45.263. The mark was just nine seconds off her personal best.
• Lauren Beatty finished second on the team and second in the conference with a 30^th place finish. Angel Kravitz finished third on the team with a time of 23:45.163, while senior Ashley Sosa finished fourth on the team with a time of 23:47.133.
• Paisley Stepp finished fifth on the team at the last meet, followed by Sara Aguiar Torre, Peyton MacMillan and Mackenzie Crandell.
• This will be the first time this decade the Valkyries have competed at the Sand Shark Invitational.

 
Men's Notes:  

• The Valkyries are back in action for the first time since the Converse Kick-Off on September 21^st.
• The Converse men's team is currently ranked seventh in the latest Southeast Region Poll. The Valkyries are the top ranked men's team in the Conference, finishing ahead of UNC Pembroke and Southern Wesleyan.
• Last time out the Valkyries were the top Conference Carolinas team in the Converse Kick-Off and finished sixth overall.
• Luis Rios Brena finished 17^th overall for the Valkyries as he crossed the line first for both Converse and Conference Carolinas. Rios Brena's time of 25:47.303 was a new personal best and it was the second fastest 8K time in program history. The senior earned Conference Carolinas Runner of the Week honors for his efforts.
• Freshman Ander Vera Moleres was named Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Month for his efforts in the first month of the season.
• Alain Flores finished second on the team and second in the conference at the Converse Kick-off last month. Flores posted a time of 25:51.603, setting both a personal best and the third fastest time in program history.
• DreQuan Guyton finished third on the team and set a new personal best in the last race. Following behind Guyton in the race was Martin Ruiz Barreda, Alex Porter.
• Zackery Carver, Greyson Powell, Jaxon Wright, Spenser Kirby, Reece Evans and Hunter Heron all rounded out the men's team in the last meet.  

 
 
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