RALEIGH, N.C. - - Ball State track & field junior distance runner Maritza Rodriguez finished with a career-best time of 17:06.59 to place seventh among 80 runners in Friday's morning session of the 5000m at the Raleigh Relays hosted by NC State.
In her first 5000m run of the 2019 outdoor season, Rodriguez shaved nearly nine seconds off her previous career-best mark of 17:15.53 set in a second-place effort at last season's Hillsdale "GINA" Relays (April 26, 2018). Her time of 17:06.59 also currently leads all Mid-American Conference distance runners in the event.
A two-time Academic All-MAC selection so far this academic year, Rodriguez finished the cross country season as Ball State's top runner at the MAC Championships and went on earn her first career points at the MAC Indoor Championships, placing sixth in the 3,000m run.