Bowling Green, KY – For the first time in her career, Lea Kunstmann was named Mid-South Conference Runner of the Week, conference officials announced Monday.   

The Freising, Bavaria, Germany native led the Patriots with a strong performance, crossing the line in 18:09.8 to place 81st overall out of 305 runners in the women's 5k at the Louisville Classic this past Friday. The freshman was the top finisher for UC as well as finished in the top three for the NAIA at this meet.   

Kunstmann's efforts helped UC finish 21st out of 31 teams in the most competitive field at this event, consisting of primarily NCAA Division 1 and 2 teams. She becomes the second Patriot to receive the honor this season and marks the first of her career. 

The Patriots will return to competition at the NAIA Appalachian Challenge on Friday, October 24, in Knoxville, Tennessee, as they continue preparations for the postseason.  

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