WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU women's cross country continued their hot start to the season with another record-setting performance at the Akiah McMilian Invite Saturday morning.

Several individuals etched themselves into the CIU women's cross-country record books, and the team punched themselves into the postseason with an automatic bid to the NCCAA National Championship in Joplin, Mo. on Saturday, Nov. 12. 

The Rams competed against 16 other collegiate programs, including schools from the NAIA and NCAA ranks. With stiff competition, CIU managed to earn a 6th-place team finish. 

The women's squad ran first at 8:15 AM as Lydia Willhite set the pace for the Rams. Willhite broke the school record in the 6k at 23:30.6, giving her a 7th-place finish. 

Right behind her was Dzana Cisic, with a 24:14.8 final time giving her a 14th-place finish and the 9th-fastest 6k time in program history. 

Rosemary Reed was not far behind, clocking in at 25:00.3 as she placed 23rd. 

Shoshannah Crompton and Morgan Johnson also competed for the Rams, posting a 29:47.4 and a 32:32.4 final time, respectively. 

What Coach Michael Knight is saying: 
"They took on the challenge of going an extra K today and embraced it. Lydia breaking the school record was awesome to see. The girls continue to progress through an amazing season."

Up Next: 
CIU will now turn its attention to the NCCAA South Region Championship in Greenville, S.C., on Oct. 29.