WAYNE, Neb. – Minnesota State women's cross country was led by junior Ashley Overgaauw (Lake Wilson, Minn.) at the NSIC Championships Friday at Wayne Country Club. Overgaauw finished second individually and the Mavericks placed second as a team, their highest finish since 2022 and tied for the highest team finish over the past 30 years. Overgaauw ran the 6K course in 21:52.40, behind only Sophia Taarud (Winona State), who posted the top time of 21:19.60. It was the highest individual finish by a Maverick women's cross country runner since 1982.
 
Senior Madison Matzek (Prescott, Wis.) also had a strong day, with a 10^th place finish in 22:20.30. Senior Alexi MacDonald (Rice Lake, Wis.) was right behind in 11^th place (22.22.60).
 
With five runners inside the top ten (1,4,6,8,9), Winona State took the NSIC title with 28 points. Minnesota State followed (2,10,11,15,19) with a total of 57. Minnesota Duluth (88), Augustana (90) and UMary (127) rounded out the top five.
 
Sophomore Mileena Sullivan helped the Mavericks with a 15^th place time of 22:36.80. Freshman Tara Hertling also contributed with a 19^th place finish of 22:51.80. Other Mavericks competing included Madi Wendlandt (31^st, 23:32.20), Sophie Baker (36^th, 23:38.30), Olivia Minear (76^th, 24:42.60), Addison Peed (83^rd, 24:52.80) and Gianna Figueroa (84^th, 24:53.30). The Mavericks improved from their fifth place team finish last fall.

"I was really happy with how we competed today," said head coach Jen Blue. "We got out at the start and worked together as a team. With five inside the top-20 named All-Conference and Ashley with the highest finish for us since 1982, it was outstanding. We have continued to make steps every meet and I'm really excited to see what this team can do in two weeks at the NCAA Regionals."
 
Next for MSU women's cross country is the NCAA Regional Meet, set for Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m. CT at Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course in Joplin, Mo.