The women’s cross country team competed in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships on Nov. 11 at Penn State. The Bison finished in sixth place out of 28 teams and were the Patriot League’s top finisher.

Kate Scott ’17 led the Bison, placing ninth among the 198 runners, and claimed an automatic bid into the NCAA National Championship. Scott is the fifth runner in history and the first Bison in 10 years to qualify for the NCAA National Championship as an individual. She finished the 6k course with a time of 20:45.

“I’m very excited heading into the NCAA championship. This has always been a dream of mine throughout my running career,” Scott said. “This season has been a great one for our entire team, and I feel as though we owe it all to each other. Our team is like a family and all have to so much to help each other’s success,” Scott said.

The Bison had four runners finish in the top 50. After finishing in 24th place last year, Sarah Chandler ’17 outdid herself by finishing in 19th place with a time of 21:08. Chandler also won All-Region honors for the second consecutive season. Colleen Buckley ’19 followed closely behind in 33rd place and Elizabeth Sheprow ’17 finished in 42nd place.

Margaret Thomson ’19 and Anna Chiodo-Ortiz ’19 also made the top 100, finishing in 71st and 73rd place, respectively. Patriot League individual champion, Christine Bendzinski ’18, finished in 111th place.

Chiodo-Ortiz captured the Orange and Blue’s sense of team camaraderie and dedication.

“Our goal going into regionals was to get into the mix and make a name for ourselves. I think we’d all agree that we did that. Despite some sickness, we ran our hearts out like we always do. We had an amazing support system too as we’ve had all season. Most, if not all, of our teammates were there, cheering us on which helped immensely,” Chiodo-Ortiz said.

This meet concluded the Bison’s schedule for everyone but Scott, who will advance to the NCAA National Championships in Terre Haute, Ind. on Nov. 19.