WARRENVILLE – The Carthage College women's cross country team competed at the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Cross Country Championships on Saturday afternoon. The Firebirds had a day, resulting in strong and competitive races by all five runners. A strategic and strong finish by the Firebirds resulted in a fourth place finish as a team and all five runners scoring in the top 25. Four Firebirds ran personal records, while battling through the 6,000 meter course. Two Firebirds, Kylie Smith and Kylie Florance earned All-Conference honors for their 5th and 17th place finishes. Elizabeth Eck received the CCIW Respect award for the Carthage College Firebirds. 


 
The Firebirds came in fourth place with 92 points.

Wheaton won the meet with a total of 50 points. 
 

 
Smith led the Firebirds with a 5th place finish and time of 22:30.2, recording a 35 second personal record. Florance crossed the finish line in 23:09.78 for a 17th place finish and a 35 second personal record. Claire Guenther and Jessie Pakaski worked together to finish in 22nd and 23rd place. Guenther crossed in 23:34.2 with a 12 second personal record. Pakaski crossed in 23:35.49 with a 17 second personal record. Julie Heinrichs rounded out the Firebirds, clocking a time of 23:38.26. 



"This team had a fantastic race today, they really put it all out there and competed! I am very proud of all the hard work, energy, and determination this team has brought all season."
 


The Firebirds will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the NCAA North Regional Championships, hosted by Carlton. Action is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Bill Huyck Cross Country Course in Northfield, Minn. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.