NORTHFIELD – The Carthage College women's cross country team competed at the 2024 NCAA Division III North Regionals Cross Country Championships on Saturday. Against a large and competitive field the Firebirds battled through the 6,000 meter course. The Firebirds concluded their 2024 campaign with strong finishes by all five runners. 


 
The Firebirds came in 15th place with 433 points.

UW-La Crosse won the meet with a total of 63 points and all five of their runners finishing in the top 20.
 


Kylie Smith led the squad finishing in a time of 23:27.3 with a 50th place finish. Kylie Florance clocked in 24:06.3 finishing next for the Firebirds in 78th place. Jessie Pakaski finished just behind Florance in 24:15.3 in 83rd place. In 94th place Claire Guenther crossed the line in 24:31.4. Leela Desharnais rounded out the Firebirds in 133rd place and in a time of 25:17.9. 



"We had a memorable season this year and I am proud of how the team progressed each meet. We had our best finish in the North Region today. We could not have accomplished our team goals without the leadership from Kylie Smith, Claire Guenther, Julie Heinrichs, Liz Eck, and Mackenzie Egert. They are a special senior class and will be greatly missed next cross country season."
 


The Firebirds look towards their Indoor Track and Field season as the squad is set to host the Forever Red Alumni Classic at the Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center on December 7. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.