Storm women post strong showing in final tune-up before conference

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Simpson College women's cross country team placed three runners in the top 10 at Saturday's Coe Triangular, placing second as a team in the final tune-up before the conference championship.

First-year runner Lara Kallem paced the Storm, placing fourth in the field of 40 individuals. Cat Lucht and Macie Bopp turned in top-10 performances and a breakout effort by Kyli Orr resulted in Simpson's most complete race of 2020.

"Our women ran their best race of the season," head coach Heath Moenck said. "Lara Kallem led the team again and Kyli Orr had a big breakthrough today, which was great to see. It was a terrific race going into the conference championship."

Kallem shaved another 48 seconds off her previous season-best, navigating the 6k course in 23:09. She finished just 9 seconds off the pace set by Luther's Amelia Hornseth. Lucht finished in 23:49 to place eighth and Bopp crossed the finish line in 24:07 to place 10th. 

Orr shaved 1 minute, 20 seconds off her previous season-best to place 11th overall. She was the fourth finisher for the Storm after holding the No. 7 spot in the previous three meets.

Sophie Hall, Kaya Young and Ashley Rockhold rounded out Simpson's varsity finishers.

Up Next
The Storm conclude the 2020 season Saturday, Nov. 7 at the American Rivers Conference Championships in Pella.

Varsity Finishers
4. Lara Kallem, 23:09
8. Cat Lucht, 23:49
10. Macie Bopp, 24:07
11. Kyli Orr, 24:23
12. Sophie Hall, 24:29
13. Kaya Young, 24:30
14. Ashley Rockhold, 24:31