From University of Rochester Athletics
The University of Rochester women's cross country team finished in a solid 5th place at the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championships on Saturday morning at Letchworth State Park.
The Yellowjackets placed 5th of 37 teams with a total team score of 165 points, finishing behind host SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Oneonta, RPI and St. Lawrence. The top two finishing teams, Geneseo and Oneonta both earn automatic berths into the NCAA Division III Championships next weekend while the remaining top teams will await at-large selections. UR is searching for its first women's XC berth into the national race since 1987.
Leading the way for Rochester on Saturday was senior Catherine Knox in 13th place, finishing the 6k course in 22:29.2, earning All-Region honors. Junior Anne Peterson also earned All-Region accolades, running to 23rd place in 22:47.0.
The remaining five UR runners all placed in the top-55 to complete the strong balanced effort. Junior Samantha Kitchen was 40th in 23:09.6. Senior Anya Joynt and junior Audrey McCarthy rounded out the Yellowjacket top-5 in 44th and 45th place respectively. Joynt clocked in at 23:13.5 while McCarthy crossed the stripe in 23:14.1.
Rochester's displacers were senior Victoria Stepanova in 48th (23:18.1) while freshman Rachel Bargabos ended in 55th (23:31.2).
The Yellowjacket women's fate will be decided by the NCAA with the announcement of the at-large teams set for 3 pm on Sunday afternoon. Next weeks NCAA Division III Championships will take place in Winnecone, Wisconsin.