Freitas Named SEC Women?s Runner Of The Week
September 22, 2015 | Cross Country
STARKVILLE, Miss. – With a standout performance at the Commodore Classic, Mississippi State cross country runner Marta Freitas has been named the SEC Women's Runner Of The Week.
"I'm really happy because my main goal with cross country is to help the team, and prepare for the track season," Freitas said. "I don't have experience in long distance so I'm really surprised. I put a lot of trust in coach Franks, and it's always easier to face my weaknesses, in my case cross country, when I have such a talented team."
Freitas, who joined the MSU track and field team in January, made her first appearance for cross country this past weekend. The senior ran a time of 17:02.20 to finish second overall. She came in first for MSU and the SEC at the meet.
The Lisbon, Portugal, native's time from the meet is the fastest in the 5K in the SEC so far this season. This is Freitas' first SEC of the Week honor.
“We're all very proud of Marta,” MSU coach Houston Franks said. “She ran extremely well this weekend. Marta was a leader for the team, and I think we will continue to see her improve as the season goes on.”
With her second-place finish, Freitas led the way for the women's team third-place finish as MSU scored a total of 95 points.
Competing in her first season with the Maroon and White, Freitas is no stranger to success. She finished the 2015 track and field campaign placing 12th in the 1500m run at NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Next up for Freitas and the women's team will be the Panorama Farms Invite in Charlottesville, Va., on Sept. 26.
For more information on Freitas or the MSU cross country teams visit HailState.com and follow on Twitter (@HailStateTF).
SEC Cross Country Athletes of the Week
Men's Runner of the Week: Eddie Garcia, Florida
Men's Freshman Runner of the Week: Dajour Braxton, LSU
Women's Runner of the Week: Marta Freitas, Mississippi State
Women's Freshman Runner of the Week: Caroline Pietrzyk, Vanderbilt
