Women's Cross Country | 9/6/2024 10:20:00 PM

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Minnesota Crookston women's cross country team had a strong start to the season, setting multiple personal records and a school record at the 2024 Augustana Twilight at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Golden Eagles placed 17th of 20 teams. Minnesota Crookston also posted a team record for the fastest average time in a 5K for the program at 20:32.

Anna Grabowski (Sr., Waterdown, Ontario) set a personal record and a school record in the 5K with a time of 18:55.06, placing 52nd of 239 runners, besting Madison Hilliard's previous 5K record of 19:44.07. The Golden Eagles were competing against runners from across divisions, including NCAA Division I. Madison Hilliard (Jr., Jacksonville, N.C.) took 71st, beating her personal record with a time of 19:15.91. Eva Robinson (Fr., Cavalier, N.D.) made her collegiate debut, finishing in 21:24.95. Evelyn Dupont (So., Las Vegas, Nev.) clocked in at 21:27.63, setting her personal record. Madison Elijah (Sr., Hebron, Ind.) set her personal record in the 5K with a time of 21:38.78. Katelyn Mack (Sr., Frazee, Minn.) set her personal record with a time of 21:52.51. Catie Neumann (So., Alexandria, Minn.) notched a personal record, clocking in at 22:10.35. 

The University of Nebraska won the race as a team, while the Huskers Berlyn Schutz was the individual champion with a time of 16:20.78. 

Minnesota Crookston's top finish in 2023 was Hilliard in 112th. Hilliard had the top finish for the Golden Eagles in a 5K in 2022, placing 76th at the Augustana Twilight. Grabowski had the 13th-best time of any NCAA Division II runner in the race.

Minnesota Crookston returns to the course Friday, September 20 at the Roy Griak Invitational.