Senior Marielle Hall added another first-place finish to her collection this weekend at the 2013 South Central Regional, defending her individual title from 2012. 

“Marielle stepped it up again today,” assistant coach Brad Herbster said. “She’s really buying into the idea that she’s one of the best in the country.” 

From the crack of the starting pistol to the end of the race, Hall sustained a comfortable lead, finishing in 19:40.7, 24 seconds ahead of the next closest runner. 

“It’s exciting to see a girl like Marielle, who works so hard, be able to win these races,” Herbster said. “Marielle does everything by the book. She’s consistent, and consistency in this sport is king, and she really proved her confidence today.”

The next Texas runner to cross the line was senior Megan Siebert, who finished in 15th place.

The rest of the women’s team did not fare so well, finishing in fourth place overall and failing to qualify for the NCAA Championships, which will take place in Terre Haute, Ind., on Saturday.