No. 2 Women’s Cross Country re-writes 6k records at Virginia Tech

BLACKSBURG, Va. (September 15, 2023) – The No. 2 Milligan University women's cross country team ran its first 6k race since it became the official NAIA national championship distance at the Virginia Tech Alumni Invitational on Friday evening. The Buffs' top five finishes made their way onto the program's top-10 leaderboard for the distance.

The Buffs finished third of the seven teams at the meet, only behind NCAA Division I Virginia Tech and High Point. Milligan finished ahead of NCAA Division III No. 12 Lynchburg and Division I ETSU, Howard and Delaware.

The Buffs had two finishes in the top 15 and all five scorers inside the top 30.

"I really like how we competed today," said head coach Chris Layne. "This was a competitive field up front on both sides and probably the toughest course we'll see all year but they handled themselves well."

Ellen Mary Kearney set Milligan's 6k record with a 22:00 effort to finish seventh overall. The record was previously set by Buffs' hall of famer Hannah Segrave in 2015.

Caitlin Dominy posted the third-fastest 6k time in team history as she crossed 13th in 22:29.

Hannah Brown finished 24th in 23:14 and Zanelle Willemse placed 27th in 23:24. The duo ranks fifth and sixth on the team's 6k leaderboard.

Gracie Allen completed Milligan's scoring five with a 23:40 effort, good for 30th at the meet and seventh all-time.

Anna Jones (46th, 24:33), Kaelyn Slaughter (48th, 24:40) and Ashlyn Haas (24:41) each finished in the top 50.

"Really proud of the women for how the handled their first 6k and on this course," said Layne. "I really think this sets them up for a later in the season."

Milligan hosts the Eli Cramer Invitational next Friday.