KANSAS -- Friends University sophomore Lexi Patterson has received her first career KCAC Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week nod, the conference office announced today (Sept. 8).

Patterson, an NAIA national qualifier as a freshman last season, led the Falcons and was the highest finishing NAIA runner with a 26th place result at the Wichita State JK Gold Classic on Saturday (Sept. 5).

A McPherson, Kan. native, Patterson bested multiple NCAA D-II runners with a time of 20:38.9.

"Lexi had a great attitude and gave a great effort to lead our team," said Friends cross country head coach Tracy Jex.

Next up for Patterson and the Falcon cross country teams will be the John Brown Invite on Oct. 10 in Siloam Springs, Ark.