SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Sophomore Lupe Mata achieved a career-best time on Friday at the San Francisco State Invitational.

Competing on the 6K course at the Golden Gate Park Speedway Meadow, the Hope International women's cross country runner finished in 24 minutes, 4.1 seconds for 51st place overall in the field of 104 competitors. 

She eclipsed her previous career-best, accomplished in 24:06.9 at the 2025 GSAC Championships her freshman season.

Senior Maya Estrada-Garcia also represented the Royals, placing 60th overall in 24:23.1. Senior Jazmin Zambrano also suited up for HIU and ran 28:48.2 for 92nd place.

The Royals return to action on Saturday, October 17 at the Highlander Invitational. The 5K race begins at 9:50 a.m. on the UCR Ag/Ops Course.