Women’s Cross Country retains No. 2 national ranking

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (October 12, 2023) – The Milligan University women's cross country team received No. 2 billing in the NAIA Women's Cross Country Top 25 Coaches' Poll on Thursday.

The Buffs have been either No. 1 or No. 2 in the NAIA national rankings for the last 17 polls, dating back to the 2021 season. Defending national champion Taylor remains the No. 1 team with in the NAIA with 20 of 21 first-place votes and the Buffs collecting the other. This week's ranking is Milligan's 64th consecutive week in the top 25.

The Buffs won a team trophy in Charlotte for the third consecutive season. Milligan bested 10 NCAA Division I teams, including Furman, Wake Forest, Charlotte and South Carolina, as well as NCAA Division II No. 14 Wingate.

Ellen-Mary Kearney led Milligan with a third-place finish in 17:25. She was honored as the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Runner of the Week and the NAIA National Runner of the Week.

Caitlin Dominy finished fifth in the 244-woman 5k in 17:47. Zanelle Willemse, Hannah Brown and Patricia Barrera each notched top-35 finishes to round out the Buffs' scoring lineup.

Milligan returns to action at the NAIA Appalachian Challenge next Friday.