By Brendon Paucek, UWEC Sports Information
Rock Island, ILL. (Blugolds.com) – Taking full advantage of a perfect day for racing, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's cross country team defeated 37 teams to become NCAA Midwest Regional Champions. The Blugolds scored just 59 points, and five women finished with All-Region honors. Washington University was the runner-up with 75 points.
Finishing in the top 10 and with All-Region honors were Samantha Slattery (So. – Waunakee, WI/Waunakee), Callie Fischer (Oneida, WI/Ashwaubenon), and Melody Becker (Sr. – Osseo, WI/Homeschooled). The trio finished in 5th, 8th, and 9th, respectively.
Also finishing with All-Region honors were Morgan Marek (Jr. Muskego, WI/Muskego) and Liz Cisewski (Fr. – Stevens Point, WI/Pacelli), finishing in 13th and 24th.
"Going in I thought we could definitely be second, but they ran well and had a nice group," said Coach Dan Schwamberger. "Conference was a good team effort, but this was even better."
Rounding out the Blugold squad with strong performances were Annika Lerdall (Fr. – Plymouth, MN/Wayzata) and Joanne Reiners (Jr. – Bristol, WI/Westosha Central). The pair finished in 41st and 60th.
It's been a long season with many impressive performances for the Blugolds; however, they believe they've saved their best races for last. The women's cross country team will travel to Principia College to compete in the NCAA Division III National Championship. The women just missed qualifying as a team last year, but they have plenty of big race experience. Becker, Fischer, Marek have all ran at the national meet in previous years.
"They should be ready to go after a top 4 finish. If we have a good day, it's very realistic," said Coach Schwamberger.
The women race on Saturday, November 18 at 12 PM.
