The Cyclones battled through a competitive field at the NJCAA Region 4 Championship at Northwestern Medicine Cross Country Course in Batavia, and two runners earned personal records to qualify for the national tournament.

Annabel Lipkie was ranked 10th going into this 5K and ran a PR to finish 7th overall in 23:20.0. "She wasn't 100% healthy, so it speaks a lot to her determination to do what she did. I'm excited she gets to extend her season," said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas.

Mariah Karamagianis was ranked out of the top spots and worked to place 15th in 24:41.2 to guarantee a trip to the big dance. "We knew she needed her best race to have a chance, and she did just that, running about a minute PR and earning that all important 15th spot," Dimizas said. "It was a great performance, and I'm so proud of her!"

Lizbeth Juarez-Castillo and Naya Padayao have battled injuries all season, but still gutted out performances that included a PR. Juarez-Castillo finished in 19th place in 27:03.8, her best time. Padayao ran to 23rd in 29:06.6. "They both have been off and on with their running all season because of injuries, so for them to come out there and still run well was special," Dimizas noted. "Liz ended with a PR, and I don't doubt Naya would have done the same if she hadn't rolled her ankle during the race.

"All of the women did such a great job," Dimizas said. "I'm excited for all four women to be back next year."

Lipkie and Karamagianis will compete with two runners from the Cyclones men's team at the NJCAA Division II Championship on Saturday, Nov. 11, in Huntsville, Alabama.