Senior Naomi Sotelo ran a commanding race winning 6,000-meter time of 21:27.2 to lead Azusa Pacific University at the Highlander Invitational hosted by the University of California - Riverside. Sotelo earned a new personal best and a course record with her effort. She led from the mile point on and boasted an average mile pace of 5:45.2. Azusa Pacific finished sixth as a team out of 14 competitors for their best team finish of the 2026 season.
Nominees: Emery Maki, University of Northwestern; Ella Miller, Mid-America Christian University; Naomi Sotelo, Azusa Pacific University