Bowling Green, KY – The 16th-ranked University of the Cumberlands women's cross country team continued its championship tradition Friday, capturing its seventh consecutive Mid-South Conference title at Phil Moore Park. The Patriots placed four runners inside the top seven and all five scorers inside the top eight to finish with 22 points, securing the program's 18th conference championship.

Lea Kunstmann led the way for Cumberlands, defending her individual conference title with a first-place finish in the 6K race. The sophomore crossed the finish line in 22:19.6 to earn MSC Runner of the Year honors for the second consecutive season.

Jule Krauss followed with a runner-up finish, clocking a time of 23:03.7. The freshman's performance earned her MSC Freshman of the Year honors as the top freshman finisher in the field.

Heather Durrant added a fourth-place finish in 23:42.5, while Tigist Bergman crossed the line seventh in 23:51.3. The performances earned Kunstmann, Krauss, Durrant, and Bergman MSC First Team All-Conference honors.

Brianna Hillock rounded out the scoring five with an eighth-place finish in 23:58.4. Anslee Crosby followed in ninth at 24:07.1, while Rylee Schaffner placed 11th in 24:12.6. Gracie Reed finished 12th with a time of 24:16.1, giving Cumberlands four MSC Second Team All-Conference selections.

The Patriots continued to show their depth throughout the field, with Megan Kitchens placing 15th in 24:33.3. Molly Beckham followed in 18th at 24:47.5, while Emma Quillen crossed the line 19th in 24:55.5. Lucy Sullivan placed 21st in 25:03.1, followed closely by Christie George in 22nd at 25:04.5.

Elisa Helferich finished 33rd with a time of 25:55.4, while Courtney George rounded out the Patriots' finishers in 43rd at 27:06.9.

The championship performance also brought recognition to the Patriots' coaching staff, as James Overholser was named the MSC Women's Cross Country Assistant Coach of the Year.

Cumberlands finished atop the seven-team field with 22 points, while Georgetown placed second with 64 points. The victory marks the Patriots' seventh straight conference championship and 18th in program history.

The Patriots now turn their attention to the NAIA Women's Cross Country National Championships.

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