GAMBIER, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University women's cross country team hit the course at the NCAC Championship hosted by Kenyon on Saturday morning. The Battling Bishops captured the program's first championship with a score of 43, and received several conference honors. All five Bishop scorers placed within the top 15 in the race. 

Junior Zoe Ward shined once again, separating herself and finishing first among all competitors with an impressive time of 22:10.9. Ward crossed the line 17 seconds clear of the second-place finisher.

Brianna Montgomery followed close to Ward, registering a time of 22:33.8, a third place finish. 

Next for the Bishops was Sophie Cotts, crossing in 10th with a time of 23:04.9.

Freshman Hope Morris clocked a time of 23:19.1, good for 14th among competitors. 

Laura Wagner trailed close to Morris and concluded the scoring with a time of 23:20.0, placing her 15th. 

AWARDS
The junior duo of Zoe Ward and Brianna Montgomery capped off an impressive season with All-NCAC First Team recognition. Ward was also awarded NCAC Runner of the Year. 

Sophie Cotts and Hope Morris also received acknowledgement for their efforts this year, as both were awarded All-NCAC Second Team. Morris concluded an outstanding rookie campaign for the Bishops, taking home NCAC Newcomer of the Year.

The impressive Bishop squad continued to earn well-deserved recognition, as Allison Dietz, McKenna Downing, Laura Wagner all received All-NCAC Third Team. 

These accolades were made possible with the guidance of coaches Ben Carlson and Kris Boey, who were also honored as NCAC Coaching Staff of the Year.

UP NEXT
The Bishops will travel to Lexington, Kentucky, on November 15th for the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional.