WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Ella Pando and Parker Plaxco have been recognized as MSU Student-Athletes of the Month for September, voted on by Midwestern State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Ella Pando, Cross Country, Senior

Pando has been one of the leaders of the Mustangs so far this season, finishing as the fastest MSU runner in both races they have competed in. "Ella has consistently remained our top runner, not only this month but the past three Cross Country seasons," said teammates. "Additionally, she holds the position as one of our team captains and is a wonderful representation of what a leader should be. She sets an example for not only our underclassmen but our upperclassmen as well". Pando finished in second place at the Mustangs Invite, running a 14:32.6 4K, leading the team to a first place finish. In the Cowboy Jamboree, hosted by Oklahoma State, Pando finished in 82nd, while being the 9th fastest Division II runner at the meet, clocking a 22:38.0 mark against Division I competition on a difficult course. Pando's time at the Cowboy Jamboree is the 8th fastest 6K time in the conference this season.

Parker Plaxco, Men's Soccer, Redshirt-Junior

Plaxco has been leading from the front for No. 22 Men's Soccer, scoring six goals with two assists in the opening month of the season. The junior scored the winning goal against Westminster (UT) and Northwest Nazarene, re-writing school history with four goals against Northwest Nazarene. With the Mustangs trailing 2-0 and 35 minutes to play, Plaxco turned the game around with three goals in a seven minute span to put MSU in front. He tapped in a fourth goal just before full-time, setting a school record four goals in a single game. The scoring outburst, along with an assist in his next game, earned him Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week, his career first player of the week award. The Mustangs captain is currently second in the LSC with eight goals this season.