ROCK ISLAND - The Carthage women's cross country team traveled to Rock Island, Illinois, to compete in the Interregional Invitational hosted by Augustana. In a highly competitive Division III field, the Firebirds battled the 6,000-meter course, clocking in a team average time of 24:49. The Firebirds demonstrated balanced pack running, with their top five separated by just over a minute and a half. Carthage's performance continues to build momentum as they look ahead to the upcoming CCIW Championships.
The Firebirds came in 38th place with 1027 points.
UW-La Crosse won the meet with 88 points, scoring all five runners in the top 30. Trine and U Chicago placed second and third, scoring 108 and 127. Wash U and Colorado College rounded out the top 5, scoring 169 and 205.
The Firebirds were led by Kylie Florance, who finished with a time of 24:06.3, pacing the team with consistent splits throughout the race.
Jessie Pakaski followed closely behind, clocking 24:45.7. At the same time,
Camryn Lau finished just a few seconds later in 24:48.2.
Natalie Forward recorded a strong effort with a 24:58.1 finish, rounding out the Firebirds' top four.
Virginia Litwiller completed the scoring for Carthage with a time of 25:31.2.
The Firebirds return to action on Saturday, November 1, as the squad is set to compete in the CCIW Championships in Rock Island, Illinois. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.