By Brendon Paucek, UWEC Sports Information
Winneconne, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – In their most competitive meet of the year, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's cross country team placed fifth place at the NCAA Division III Regional Meet and advanced two individuals to this weekend's national championships.
Runners Morgan Marek (So. - Muskego, WI/Muskego), Callie Fischer (Jr. - Onieda, WI/Ashwaubenon), and Samantha Slattery (Fr. - Waunakee, WI/Waunakee) all took home All-Region medals. The women completed the 6,000m course in 7th (22:05), 11th (22:13), and 23rd (22:31), respectively.
"I was pretty happy with the race," said Fischer. "Morgan was right by my side almost the whole race, and we worked really well together and helped each other stay strong and push ourselves."
Rounding out the top seven were Karen Gomez-Ruiz (So. - Chatfield, MN/Chatfield), placing 52nd (23:06), Josey Rieber (Sr. - Holmen, WI/Holmen) in 76th (23:28), Emily Jaeger (So. - Fall Creek, WI/Fall Creek) in 78th (23:31), and Maggie Louiselle (Fr. - Minneapolis, MN/Totino Grace) at 126th (24:19).
Although the team wasn't given an at-large bid, Marek and Fischer look forward to running their best this Saturday on the national stage.
"I was pleased with how they just got up in the mix with the lead pack and raced well," said Coach Dan Schwamberger.
The NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships will be held this Saturday, November 19 in Louisville, Kentucky. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day.
