With 51 points, the Mavericks edged Appalachian State (60) and Arkansas State (64). Last year, the women finished second, just 12 points out of first.

"The ladies executed a race plan perfectly and had a heroic effort," UTA coach John Sauerhage, the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year, said. "They deserve to be champions. I couldn't be any prouder of them."

The men (61) placed third behind South Alabama (53) and Appalachian State (55) in another tight battle. It was the first time since joining the Sun Belt in 2013 that a UTA men's track and field or cross country team did not win a conference meet.

Katelyn Hayward paced the women's team, finishing fifth overall with a 5k time of 17:16.5. She earned first-team All-SBC accolades after leading a pack of Mavericks who placed in the top 12.

Finishing on Hayward's heels was Gabriela Alfonzo, who placed sixth (17:17.4) to snag second-team all-league plaudits. Joining Alfonzo on the second team was Ashly Wright, who came in eighth (17:26.7). Hannah Nilsson earned third-team mention (11th, 17:35.8).

UTA's final point scorer was Tori Shelton, who finished in the 21st position in 17:51.7. The other members of the victorious Mavs were Tamerah Gorham (25th, 18:09.2), Sydney Hampton (40th, 18:47.6) and Courtney Mose (67th, 20:12.7).

The men's team also had a quartet of runners near the top of the leaderboard, but couldn't overcome several key injuries and illnesses. Craig Lautenslager (3rd, 24:43.5) led the Mavericks by picking up his second straight top-3 finish at the Sun Belt Conference meet.

Eric Ojeda, nipped by Lautenslager by just .3 to place fourth, joined him on the league's first team. Ryan Tilotta snagged sixth with a time of 24:49.1, while Michael Guerrero was eighth in 24:59.7. Both Mavericks were named to the SBC's second team.

Robert Gribble was the squad's final point scorer, placing 42nd (26:49.8). Emil Blomberg, who had been ill, finished 51st (27:34.0), while Virgilio Martinez and Grant Copeland were unable to complete the 8k layout at the USS Alabama Memorial Park.

"We have no excuses," Sauerhage said. "In cross country, you have to have five to win and we did not have that today.

The UTA teams will next be in action at the NCAA South Central Regional in Fayetteville, Ark., on Friday, Nov. 14.