NORTHFIELD, Minn. --- With three runners finishing in the top-four, the No. 4-ranked Carleton College women's cross country program cruised to the team victory at the UW-Eau Claire Blugold invitational on Friday. Carleton was 1 of 5 nationally-ranked NCAA Division III squads at this meet, in addition to UW-Milwaukee, a Division I program.
 
"The team did a tremendous job," said Carleton head coach Donna Ricks. "I was really pleased overall with how they executed their race strategy. There's still lots of work to do this season" 

The Knights finished with a team score of 40 points. No. 9-ranked St. Olaf came in second place, with a score of 87. The third-place finisher was No. 22-ranked UW-Eau Claire with a final total of 106 points. UW-Milwaukee was next at 129 points, and No. 33 Saint Benedict rounded out the top-five with 192 points. No. 8 UW-La Crosse sent a partial squad and finished 11th with 322 points.
 
The 25-team field included four other regionally-ranked teams: UW-Stout (sixth at 228 points); UW-Whitewater (eighth, 268); Concordia Wisconsin (ninth, 310); and UW-Oshkosh (10th, 321 points).
 
Hannah Preisser led the way for the Knights, finishing second overall with a time of 22:03.5. The next two runners across the line were also from Carleton. Sophie McManus came in third place with a time of 22:13.8, and Phoebe Ward finished fourth with a time of 22:23.7.

"The top pack of Hannah, Sophie and Phoebe really worked together," Ricks said. "Off the line, they put themselves in great position and maintained a strong pace throughout. Having the three of them work together is certainly an added strength to the team."
 
Aliya Larsen was the fourth scorer for Carleton, coming in 12th place with a time of 22:49.2. Teammate Helen Cross was the last scorer for the Knights, coming in 19th place with a time of 23:10.8.

"Aliya has really turned things up a notch and, as a result of her summer training and through workouts, has gained confidence," said Ricks. "I'm impressed as she currently doesn't have a pack to race with and is demonstrating some great mental toughness."
 
Mary Blanchard crossed the finish line in 24th place (23:20.9), while Alice Cutter completed the race with a time of 23:33.2, good for 30th place. This gave the Knights seven runners in the top 30 out of 242 total racers.

"Coming off some foot issues, Helen looked strong and focused today as did Mary and Alice, who did a great job of moving up the last three kilometers, demonstrating strong finishes," said Ricks.
 
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton is headed to Geneseo, N.Y. to run in the Mike Woods Invitational on October 14.