Kansas City, MO – Despite capturing their sixth consecutive Mid-South Conference Championship, the University of the Cumberlands women's cross country team checks in at No. 6 in the final NAIA Coaches' Poll, released Tuesday. 

Cumberlands captured its latest title with a commanding team effort, posting 22 points behind a pair of top-three finishers and placing all seven scoring runners inside the top 11 in the Women's 6K. With this conference title, the Patriots secure an automatic bid into the NAIA National Championship. 

The Patriots were led by freshman standout Lea Kunstmann, who clocked a 22:23.59 to win the individual title and earn both MSC Runner of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. 

Patrober Kosgei followed in third place with a time of 22:55.53, while Brynn Poulson (5th, 23:35.67), Elisa Helferich (6th, 23:50.87), and Tigist Bergman (7th, 24:06.47) rounded out UC's scoring five. All five Patriots secured First Team All-Conference honors, while Heather Durrant (8th), Anslee Crosby (10th), Chloe West (11th), Clayra Darnell (13th), and Hope Boa (14th) each earned Second Team All-Conference recognition, showcasing the team's incredible depth. 

The conference victory marked Cumberlands' sixth straight MSC title, while Assistant Coach James Overholser was named MSC Assistant Coach of the Year for the second time in his career. 

Taylor (Ind.) remains in the top spot of the poll while Milligan (Tenn.), College of Idaho, Cornerstone (Mich.), and The Master's (Calif). round out the top five.  

With their latest national ranking and another conference crown, the Patriots now turn their focus to the NAIA National Championships. Cumberlands will be the only team representing the Mid-South Conference on November 21 in Tallahassee, Florida, where they'll aim to contend for the program's first national championship. 

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