By Alanna Huggett, UWEC Sports Information
WINNECONNE, WI (Blugold.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's cross country team finished their 2018 season at the NCAA Division III National Cross Country Championship this past Saturday. The meet was hosted by UW-Oshkosh at Lake Breeze Golf Course.
Results | Dan Schwamberger Photos
The Blugolds podiumed at the championships, placing 4th out of 32 teams, scoring 265 points. Washington University won the title with 98 points.
Morgan Marek (Sr. – Muskego, WI/Muskego) led the way for the Blugold squad, earning All-American honors by placing 28th overall with a time of 21:48.6. Marek said her race this past Saturday went well.
"My goal was to get out hard so I could be in the top 40 and I was able to do that and keep moving up," Marek said.
Lexie Tremble (Jr. – Muskego, WI/Muskego), and Emma Drangstveit (So. – Lakeville, MN/Lakeville North High School) were the next finishers. Tremble placed 57th with a time of 22:15.1 and Drangstveit finished 68th clocking in a time of 22:20.2.
Rounding out the top 5 for the Eau Claire women were Sam Slattery (Jr. – Waunakee, WI/Waunakee) and Lizzy Cisewski (So. – Stevens Point, WI/Pacelli High School). They finished 70th and 138th respectively. Slattery clocked in a time of 22:21 and Cisewski finished her race with a time of 22:50.4.
Naomi Long (Fr. – Medina, MN/Wayzata) and Emily Jaeger (Sr. – Fall Creek, WI/Fall Creek) rounded out the top 7 for the Eau Claire team. Long placed 173rd with a time of 23:04.9 and Jaeger took 190th place with a time of 23:12.2.
Marek said the team did an amazing job on Saturday.
"Everyone did just what they needed or better and I think that's what led to a top 4 finish," Marek said. "It's cool that it's a fairly young team too so they will be back next year with good experience."
Head Coach Dan Schwamberger was also pleased with how the team raced on Saturday. He said it was a great way to finish the 2018 season and he is very proud of the team.
