Terre Haute, IN—UC Riverside Women's Cross Country runner Raquel Hefflin earned the highest-ever finish for a member of the Highlanders as she placed 48th out of 253 runners Saturday at the 2014 NCAA Championships. Full Results.

Hefflin ran the 6k course in 20:51.3, placing eight spots back of earning All-American honors, as the top-40 finishers automatically earn that accolade.

"I am really proud of Raquel and all that she accomplished this year," Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Irv Ray stated. "She moved up well at the end of the race and had the best-ever finish for a UCR runner. I am excited with how she finished the year."

The NCAA Championship capped off a stellar senior season for Hefflin as she was named Big West Women's Athlete of the Year following an individual victory at the Big West Championship on November 1. She ended the season with wins in three of her seven races, while placing second in two more. She also earned All-Region honors after finishing eighth at the NCAA West Regional on November 14.