EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - UW-Eau Claire women's cross country coach Dan Schwamberger recently announced the winners of the team awards at its year-end banquet.

Elly Prunty (Sr.-Antigo, Wis.) was named the team's most valuable runner. Prunty never finished outside of the top 20 in the seven events in which she competed this season. She also earned All-American status and led the Blugolds with her finish of 17th at the national event. Prunty was also WIAC Athlete of Week on Oct. 19.

This year's Blugold Award was given to Maria Peloquin (Sr.-Prescott, Wis.). Peloquin competed in six events and recorded a season-high finish of fourth at Luther's JV Cup.

Newcomer Madi Sawyer (Fr.-Champlin, Minn./Champlin Park) received the most valuable freshman award. Sawyer made the WIAC All-Conference second team for her 12th place effort at the championship event. She also helped Eau Claire earn its top finishes at Regionals and Nationals with respective finishes of 34th and 133rd.

Ashlyn Mauer (So.-Sheboygan Falls, Wis.) earned the team's most improved honors. Mauer also claimed a spot on the All-Conference second team and ended the season with a 22nd finish at Regionals and 129th place at the national event.

Two Blugolds, Prunty and Molly Woodford (Sr.-Waukesha, Wis./South) received the four-year letterwinner awards. This season, Woodford placed 38th at Regionals and 222nd at the national competition. Woodford also earned All-Conference honorable mention and competed in 26 events throughout her four years with the team.