EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire women's cross country team handed out this year's team awards this past weekend at the annual team banquet.

Ashlyn Mauer (Sr.-Sheboygan Falls, Wis.) was named the Most Valuable Runner for the second year in a row. Competing in six meets this season, Mauer finished sixth place or higher each time. She completed the year earning All-American status after taking sixth at nationals and helping to guide the team to a fifth-place finish. She was third at the regional meet, which the Blugolds won, and second at the WIAC Championship to help the team to its sixth straight conference title. In 2010, Mauer earned the team's most improved award.

Receiving Most Improved honors was Kelsey Jaeger (So.-Waukesha, Wis./West). She ran in seven meets this season, including at the national championship where she came in 164^th place. Jaeger was also 24^th at the regional meet and 12^th at the WIAC Championship.

Elaina Meurer (Fr.-Fond Du Lac, Wis./St. Mary's Springs) was selected the Most Valuable Freshman. Meurer participated in seven events this year. She capped the season running at nationals where she came in 152^nd place. At the regional meet, she claimed 31^st place while taking 11^th at the WIAC Championship.

Earning the Blugold Award was Ilse Renner (Jr.-Green Bay, Wis./East). Renner competed in six events and took 37^th at the WIAC Championship. At the Luther College JV Cup, the last event she competed in this season, Renner came in ninth place.

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