WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. - After a week off of competition, CIU Women's Cross Country competed at the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship at the Par Tee Golf Center. The Rams had an impressive day, with three runners finishing in the top 50 as they collectively finished 8th. The leader of the three, Lydia Willhite, earned herself a spot in the NAIA Championships on Nov. 18 in Tallahassee, Fla.  

Willhite cracked the top 20 with a 19th place finish and a final time of 19:23.0, which set a personal best and school record. 

Rosemary Reed also had an impressive day, finishing with a final time of 20:38.0, putting her in 38th place. 

Also finishing in the top 50 (44th) was Dzana Cisic with a 21:00.1 final time. Shoshannah Crompton also competed for the Rams and placed 88th with a 25.42.0 final time.  

Morgan Johnson was the final competitor for the Rams, ending with a 29:19.1 mark. 

What Coach Michael Knight is saying: 
"Very proud of how they progressed through the season to compete and make a statement at conference today. Lydia breaking the school record and qualifying for NAIA really brought everything together." 

Up Next: 
CIU will compete in the NCCAA Championships in Joplin, Mo. on Saturday, Nov. 12.