COLFAX -  The Carthage women's cross country team wrapped up its season on Saturday with a strong showing at the NCAA Division III North Region Championships, taking on one of the deepest and most competitive fields in the country. The Firebirds battling through a talented lineup that featured multiple nationally ranked programs.  


 
The Firebirds came in 21st place with 578 points.

Wis. -La Crosse claimed the regional title with 45 points after placing all five of its scorers inside the top 30. Carleton and Wis.-Eau Claire took second and third scoring 71 and 123. St. Olaf and Gustavus Adolphus rounded out the top five with 184 and 255 in points. 



The Firebirds were led by Kylie Florance, who turned in a standout performance to finish 67th in 23:57.9. Jessie Pakaski followed with a 93rd-place finish in 24:21.6, helping solidify the Firebirds' position in the team standings. Rounding out the scoring pack were Virginia Litwiller (25:17.1), Allison Hunt (25:19.3), and Camryn Lau (25:23.7), who finished within six places of each other to close out the team's top five. Their tight grouping highlighted the steady pack running that defined Carthage's season as a whole.



"I am proud of this team and how far they have come this season", said head coach Stephanie Domin. "We will need to continue to work hard over the track season and off season. The experience the younger team members will gain over this next year will be helpful for next cross country season. We will set our expectations high and gain more depth for next year's team. The senior class has been outstanding leaders and will be greatly missed."