(This is a look back at one of the best performances of the 2023-24 season.)
Nov. 10, 2023
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – True freshman
Matro Jepkemboi continued her historic rookie campaign, as she claimed the best individual finish in program history at the NCAA South Central Regional after finishing third and punching her ticket to the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Charlottesville, Virginia on Saturday, November 18.
"Matro took her ability to another level," commented head coach John Sauerhage. "She showed a lot of heart and poise the last half of the race, holding off some very talented athletes."
Jepkemboi is the fourth woman in program history to make the cross country nationals and is the highest finisher at regionals ever. The other three women to make nationals for the Mavericks are Angela Nelson, Kristin Ahlepil and Jodi Hulett. Jepkemboi finished with a blistering time of 20:15.8.
As a team, the women's cross country team finished in 8th place out of 24 teams with 215 points.
Rounding out the top five for the women were
Mercy Biwott who finished 33rd with a time of 21:31.4, just shy of besting her PR.
Winnie Kipsang came in 41st with a time of 21:49.7 while
Lauren Walls-Portillo finished 63rd overall with a time of 22:15.6.
Claire Compher placed 95th with a time of 22:48.4.
– #BuckEm –
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