McCloskey paces women's cross country at IIAC Championships

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Briana McCloskey placed 23rd overall and the Simpson women's cross country team placed sixth of eight teams at the Iowa Conference Championships at Pickard Park on Saturday.

It was a cool, breezy, clear day for the championships, hosted by Simpson.

"Hosting the IIAC Championships at Pickard Park, a place where we train almost daily, was a great thrill," head coach Heath Moenck said. "The meet was huge success."

Simpson scored 154 points, just behind Dubuque (137). Wartburg (38) won the team title for the fourth year in a row, followed by Luther (45), Loras (89) and Central (111). Luther's Tricia Serres won medalist honors.

McCloskey navigated the 6k course in 24:08.7, using a late push to pass teammate Sadie Timms. A sophomore, McCloskey improved upon her 34th-place finish a year ago.

"Bri had an outstanding individual effort today," Moenck said. "Sadie was a bit dinged up today, but to her credit, she gutted it out and finished."

A freshman, Timms got out fast and hung with the lead pack for the first 1.5 miles. She finished 29th overall, crossing the finish line in 24:17.9.

Another freshman, Courtney Neuendorf, came in 47th (25:11.5). Breanna Gaster came in 71st (26:02.8), Jessica Gronke took 77th (26:17.5), Lesley Roquet came in 98th (26:53.0) and Lauren Doocy took 111th (27:32.6).

Up Next

Simpson goes to the NCAA Central Region Championship on Saturday, Nov. 15 in Pella.