Joplin, Mo. --- The Minnesota State women's cross country team posted a third-place finish at the 2022 NCAA Division II Central Region Championship in Joplin, Mo., Saturday.

In doing so, the Mavericks have earned a trip to the NCAA Division II national championship meet, which takes place in Seattle Dec. 3. The last time at Minnesota State women's team qualified for the national meet was in 1995 (MSU placed fourth at the national championship meet that year).

Today's 6K regional championship event, which was hosted by Missouri Southern, included 35 teams and was won by Augustana (S.D.), which combined for 62 points. The Mavericks combined for 127 points.

Minnesota State senior Amanda Montplaisir placed fifth as the top Maverick individual with her time of 20:23.0.

Minnesota State senior Mackenzie Gaherty (21.12.3) finished in 19th place and junior McKenna Thurston (21:19.9) was 22nd. Sophomore Emily Cunningham (21:31.6) placed 29th, sophomore Makayla Bishop (21:57.0) was 52nd, sophomore Alyssa Rauk (23:11.9) was 117th and sophomore Marissa Ellenbecker (23:28.5) was 131st.

The top three teams in the region championship automatically advance to the NCAA Division II National Championships in Seattle on Dec. 3. The top two individuals that are not part of an advancing team as well as anyone in the top-five that are not part of an advancing team will also advance. The NCAA Cross Country committee will also choose ten at-large teams and eight individuals to fill out the Championship field.
 
The Championships will be run on December 3 in Seattle as part of the Division II Festival. The race will be contested at Chambers Bay and hosted by the Seattle Sports Commission.

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