With the Cyclones down to one runner due to some temporary injuries and setbacks, she was able to run hard in her first 6K of the season at the Spartan Classic on the Northwestern Medicine Cross Country Course in Batavia.

Annabel Lipkie held her own among the two- and four-year colleges and universities. She also was the top finisher among the NJCAA Region 4 colleges as she crossed the line in 50th place in 29:42.70.

"Annabel has been putting in the work since the beginning of the summer and seemed to cruise through the hilly course without much trouble. It was her first 6K race, and she handled it very well," said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas. "She'll be racing back on the course at the end of October for a chance at a trip to nationals, so I'm glad she was able to get some race experience on there."