NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The No. 19-ranked Carleton College women's cross country team captured the 15th conference title in program history, running away with the crown at the 2026 MIAC Championships. This was the Knights' 10th title over the last 13 conference meets.
 
Carleton placed three runners in the top-5 and five in the top-10 as they finished with 25 points and a 38-point margin of victory over host St. Olaf College, which totaled 63 points. Macalester College was third of 12 teams with 74 points.
 
First-year Abigail Burns led the Knights' 2-3-4 finish with a time of 22:24.9, just ahead of sophomores and twin sisters Nina Peterson (22:31.0) and Nicole Peterson (22:31.0). Fellow sophomore Lauren Tittel finished seventh overall with a time of 22:39.8, while classmate Amelia Campbell took ninth at 22:42.4.
 
"A very impressive win today for these athletes," said head coach Donna Ricks. "Carleton has had some tremendous teams over the years, and I believe this is the lowest spread (17 seconds) from 1-5 that any of our teams have executed.
 
"The strength of our pack led to our success today, with all top five running stride for stride throughout the race. This was very powerful. Our front runners have been constantly changing positions throughout the season resulting in their success. They work together and support one another in practices and meets, and are selfless in regards to their finish place within the team. This team has grown immensely throughout the season."
 
Joining that quintet in earning All-MIAC status was first-year Jane Coffey-Read, who crossed the line at 23:17.4 to earn 15th place. Tittel, Nicole Peterson, and Campbell all earned All-Conference recognition for the second consecutive year.
 
Sophomore Louise Ruzanic received All-MIAC Honorable Mention after finishing 19th with a time of 23:24.4.
 
First-year Liv Fraser placed 66th in the 164-runner field with a time of 24:51.0, while sophomore Sierra Cherniavsky was 74th at 25:05.2. Sophomores Clara Peikert and Anna Blaich finished 79th and 102nd, respectively, with times of 25:14.1 and 26:10.2.
 
"This is a young Carleton team, and we are proud of the leadership our sophomores have provided," said Ricks. "(Assistant Coach) Laura Albares and I are grateful for every athlete on this team. Today they all demonstrated their commitment and how much they care about one another and run for each other.  Every athlete matters; they gave everything they had today. We are so proud of them."
 
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton will race at the NCAA North Region Championships on Saturday, Nov. 14. That competition will also be held at St. Olaf.