NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The UW-Eau Claire women's cross country team finished eighth out of 32 teams today at the NCAA Division III National Cross Country Meet, hosted by St. Olaf in Northfield, Minn. This finish is the highest since the 1997-98 season where the Blugolds took second place.

Amherst is the National Champion with 120 points, and Plattsburgh State coming in second with 159 points. Washington University, who took first at last week's Midwest Regional, finished in third with 194 points. The Blugolds finished with 285 points.

UW-Platteville came in 12th, and UW-La Crosse came in 18th. Sarah Zerzan of Willamette took the individual title while running a 20:54. Zerzan is a repeat champion from last year.

Beth Lutz (Jr.-Eau Claire, WI/Memorial) was the top Blugold finisher. Lutz finished in 29th place and ran a 22:03. Last year Lutz finished in 46th place. Mary Palmer (Jr.-Anoka, MN) followed Lutz in 43rd place while running a time of 22:26. Molly Warner (Sr.-Mosinee, WI) came in third for the Blugolds in 60th place. Warner ran a time of 22:36. Hannah Humbach (So.-Madison, WI/Abundant Life Christian) came in 76th place while running a time of 22:46. Amber Hertz (Sr.-Baraboo, WI) came in 199th place for the Blugolds. Hertz ran a time of 23:36.

Jamie Arentz (Jr.-Cashton, WI) came in 224th place while running a time of 23:50. Claudia Borlee (Jr.-Green Bay, WI/Preble) was seventh for the Blugolds. Borlee finished in 264th place with a time of 24:32.

This is the last race for seniors Amber Hertz and Molly Warner. Along with Hertz and Warner, the Blugolds are losing Bridget Bocher (Sr.-Watertown, WI) and Krista Ussery (Sr.-Tomahawk, WI).

Complete Results

-SB-