OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Alauna Carstens (Jr.) of The Evergreen State College has been named the NAIA Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week for Sept. 24. Carstens received the award after winning the women's 6-kilometer race at the PLU Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Carstens grabbed first place in the women's race with a time of 21:19.9. She won the individual title by 30.6 seconds. Emily Foote of George Fox University was second in 21:50.5 and Fiona Fraser, competing unattached, placed third in 21:59.1. The Geoducks took seventh place in the team standings.

"I'm excited to start this season off strong and I'm looking forward to what's ahead," Carstens commented.

In addition to being chosen for the NAIA weekly award, Carstens also was named Cascade Collegiate Conference McDonald's Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week, presented by Urban Edge Network, and was selected as the USTFCCCA Women's NAIA Athlete of the Week.

"I'm very proud of Alauna and her second national athlete of the week selection, as it is very well-deserved," Evergreen Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach Joel Pearson said. "Alauna executed her race plan at PLU perfectly, running with the leaders for just over the first 2k lap before making a move at the top of the hill and running away with a 30-second victory. What an epic day to be a Geoduck!" 

"Alauna continues to make an impact at Evergreen," said Assistant Cross Country and Track and Field Coach Katie Burnett. "Entering our third year with teams that are bigger and faster than ever, we are so thrilled to continue seeing the growth and development in our programs with Alauna leading the charge. She has a love for running that is contagious. Alauna put in the work to be ready for fall, and it showed on Saturday! We are so proud of her."

Evergreen's cross country teams will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the 50th Annual Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational. The meet will be held at Bush's Pasture Park in Salem, Oregon.