WORCESTER, Mass. – Worcester State University's sophomore runner, Mia Rogers (N. Dighton, Mass.) was named the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) women's cross country runner of the week following a standout performance at the Worcester City Meet in Paxton, Mass. last Friday (Sep. 23).

Rogers captured the annual Worcester City Meet women's individual title as she crossed the Moore State Park finish line first in a time of 19:38, besting last years' time of 19:52.

"As a competitor, Mia is fierce and relentless," commented head coach Gary Jusseaume.  "During a race, she's constantly adjusting her race plan to gain the competitive edge. These are the traits of successful cross country runner."

Rogers ran side-by-side with opponents Rachel Avard (N. Attleboro, Mass.) of Assumption and Jasmin Higuera Castillo (Riverside, Calif.) of WPI for the majority of the meet until the last mile when she pushed ahead and defeated both opponents by nine seconds.

"Mia's staunch work ethic at practice is best exemplified by her continued success in competition," stated Jusseaume.  "She's not yet tapped into her best competitive capacity level.  That will come at the MASCAC Conference Meet and the NCAA Regional Championships."

The women's cross country team takes a weekend off before returning to competition on Oct. 8 when they travel to Westfield, Mass. for the James Early Invitational.