Bowling Green, KY - The third-ranked University of the Cumberlands women's cross country team extended its dynasty Friday morning, capturing its sixth consecutive Mid-South Conference Championship with a dominant team performance. The Patriots scored 22 points behind a pair of top three finishes and placed all seven scoring runners inside the top 11 to cap off another historic showing. 

Leading the way was 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 closely in third with a time of 22:55.53, while Brynn Poulson (23:35.67) and Elisa Helferich (23:50.87) placed fifth and sixth, respectively. Tigist Bergman rounded out the Patriots' scoring in seventh (24:06.47), securing a clean sweep of First Team All-Conference honors for UC's top five. 

Heather Durrant (8th, 24:11.04), Anslee Crosby (10th, 24:38.94), Chloe West (11th, 24:41.29), Clayra Darnell (13th, 24:41.86), and Hope Boa (14th, 24:46.46) each earned Second Team All-Conference recognition, showcasing the Patriots' impressive depth across the lineup. 

Cumberlands' dominant 22-point victory earned the program its sixth straight MSC crown, while Assistant Coach James Overholser also claimed Assistant Coach of the Year for the second time in his coaching career. 

Cumberlands dominated the team standings, finishing first with a perfect score of 15 points, placing all five scorers in the top six and all seven runners inside the top eight. Cumberland (Tenn.) followed in second with 75 points, while Georgetown (Ky.) placed third at 80 points. Freed-Hardeman (97) and Campbellsville (137) rounded out the top five, with Bethel (Tenn.) and Lindsey Wilson finishing sixth and seventh, respectively.   

With this conference title, the Patriots earn an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championships which are set to take place in just two weeks on November 21. UC will travel to Tallahassee, Florida for a chance to bring home the red banner.  

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