NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The No. 12-ranked Carleton College women's cross country team boasted the top-three individual finishers and picked up the team victory at the 22-team Running of the Cows meet. Carleton has come out on top in each meet this season—including back-to-back victories during competitions with large, 20-plus team fields—and has not finsihed behind a Division III team since the 2022 NCAA Championships.
"It was wonderful to have a cross country meet during Homecoming and see alumni and current students in attendance. Their support is greatly appreciated," said Carleton head coach
Donna Ricks."We have seen great strides in the past two meets. These women are working hard and having fun. Taking care of ourselves and each other is top priority. Every person on this team plays an important role, and I am grateful for their commitment to the TEAM."
Hannah Preisser was first Knight across the line, posting a time of 21:31.4.
Sophie McManus finished 23 seconds later, and
Aliya Larsen completed the trifecta with time of 22:07.5.
That trio continues to set the pace for the Knights, who tallied a team score of 56. A pair of NCAA Division II squads held down the next two spots, with Minnesota-Duluth posting a score of 74 to edge Minnesota State (77 points). No. 16 St. Olaf College took fourth at 90 points.
Lara Erickson was the fourth scorer for Carleton, placing 22nd with a time of 23:19.3.
Nora Daley rounded out the scoring with a 28th-place finish, covering the six-kilometer course in 23.27.2.
Libby Rowland and
Kayla Marx finished 52nd and 53rd with matching times of 23:58.7.
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton will travel to Oregon for the Lewis & Clark Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 19, which will serve as the final competition before the MIAC Championships in November.
