By Malcolm Luck
Staff Writer
After a dominating regular season highlighted by top-tiered performances and a number of individual accolades, the women’s cross country season met its end at the NCAA Division III Championships in Oskosh, Wisconsin on Nov. 17. The team earned 19th place out of 32 teams.
The squad exceeded expectations entering the meet ranked 28th but ultimately earned the best finish for the College at this event since the 2008 season.
True to her consistent form, senior Natalie Cooper crossed the finish line first for the Lions for the last time, placing eighth out of 279 runners with her time of 21:14.3.
For the second consecutive year, Cooper earned an NCAA All-American honors to add to her unforgettable senior campaign. Cooper becomes the first repeat All-American since alumna Noel Whitall in the 1998-1999 season.
Earlier in the season, Cooper also earned her third consecutive New Jersey Athletic Conference Runner of the Year award, as well as her third consecutive First Team All-NJAC honors.
Familiar runners finished behind Cooper, beginning with senior Erin Holzbaur. Holzbaur completed her final collegiate 6k event in 63rd place, crossing the finish line in 22:17.1. Also racing in her final meet was senior Madeleine Tattory with her mark of 22:50.5, good for 139th.
In a first NCAA Championship appearance, freshman Kelsey Kobus earned 215th place with her time of 23:25.1.
Joining closely behind in 250th was freshman teammate Emily Prendergast, earning a mark of 23:57.7. Juniors Hannah Fay and Gabby DeVito rounded out the day for the Lions, respectively coming in 257th and 260th with their times of 24:06.1 and 24:13.8.
All in all, the College placed 19th with an average time of 22:44 marking the end of its season.
As the cross country season comes to a conclusion, the team prepares for the start of indoor track and field which begins on Saturday, Dec. 1. The Lions will travel to New York City to host the TCNJ Winter Opener.
