By Continental Conference Sports Information

Lawrence, KS - Three top-five finishers paved the way for the College of the Ozarks women’s cross country team to capture the 2023 Continental Athletic Conference Women’s Cross Country championship Friday on the Billy Mills Course in Lawrence, Kansas.

College of the Ozarks tallied 26 points to edge Haskell Indian Nations University (Kansas) for top honors by 15 points. Following were Florida National University, with 66 points; Florida College, 111; Washington Adventist University of Maryland, 148; and Penn State Schuylkill, 160.

The Bobcats’ strong lineup pushed them over the top in the highly competitive meet with Keena Goze placing fifth in 23:34.8 while Trinity Sadosky was seventh in 24:53.2 and Sarah Alferink was eighth 25:05.

Haskell Indian Nations was led by CAC individual champion and Runner of the Year Kiara Iron Heart, crossing the finish line in 22:07. The Indians’ other top finished were Tiajhae Nez, third in 23:19.2, and Josetta Buffalo Boy, 11th. Iron Heart and Nez earned first-team all-conference honors for their strong performances.

College of the Ozarks was led by Emily Staal’s second-place finish in 22:38.6 and Rebecca Loya was fourth place in 23:29.7.

Florida National’s Christina Adams and Daryl Quichimbo each received second all-conference team honors with sixth- and 10th-place finishes, respectively.

As CAC champions, College of the Ozarks will represent the CAC at the NAIA National Championship meet November 17 in Vancouver, Washington. Advancing as individuals following their strong conference meet performances were Haskell Indian Nations’ Iron Heart and Nez, along with Florida National’s Adams and Quichimbo.

2023 Continental Athletic Conference Women’s Cross Country Championship

Runner of the Year: Kiara Iron Heart, Haskell Indian Nations University

Individual National Qualifiers: Kiara Iron Heart, Haskell Indian Nations University; Tiajhae Nez, Haskell Indian Nations University; Christina Adams, Florida National University; Daryl Quichimbo, Florida National University

Team Standings

1. College of the Ozarks, 26 points
2. Haskell Indian Nations University, 41 points
3. Florida National University, 66 points
4. Florida College, 111 points
5. Washington Adventist University, 148 points
6. Penn State Schuylkill, 160 points

First-Team All-Conference (Top 5 Finishers)

Kiara Iron Heart, Haskell Indian Nations University

Emily Staal, College of the Ozarks

Tiajhae Nez, Haskell Indian Nations University

Rebecca Loya, College of the Ozarks

Keena Goze, College of the Ozarks

Second-Team All-Conference (6-10th Place Finishers)

Christina Adams, Florida National University

Trinity Sadosky, College of the Ozarks

Sarah Alferink, College of the Ozarks

Lauren Cowden, College of the Ozarks

Daryl Quichimbo, Florida National University