Storm place seventh at NCAA Regional

GENEVA, Ill. - The Simpson College women's cross country team had its best finish at an NCAA Regional meet since 1991, taking seventh overall out of 29 teams at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional, Saturday.

The performance was also notable for Lara Kallem. Kallem finished in 36th overall with a time of 23:24.4 over the 6K run, making this the best individual finish at a NCAA Regional since Catie Ellingson's second-place finish in 2010. It was Kallem's third time leading the Storm at an event this season.

The Storm were aided by strong performances from sophomore Teghan Booth and junior Ashley Rockhold. Booth took 44th overall in a time of 23:36.0, while Rockhold finished just one spot behind in 45th with a time of 23:37.9.

Emma Angus crossed the line in 57th, clocking a time of 24:04.3. Emily Erhardt rounded out the scoring for the Storm, placing 88th in 24:49.4. A pair of freshmen concluded the Storm lineup, with Elie Tuhn placing 115th with a time of 25:45.3 and Skyler Blessman coming in 129th in a time of 26:26.8.

"Our women have ran terrific all season and today was no different", said head coach Heath Moenck. "To replace four of our top seven runners from last year and improve in the region was a true testament to their hard work and commitment."

Four Storm runners experienced their first taste of a region meet, with the Storm concluding the cross country season and will now look forward to the track season next spring.

Team Standings - Top 10
1. Wartburg - 36 points
2. Chicago - 45 points
3. Washington (Mo.) - 80 points
4. Loras - 114 points
5. Central - 185 points
6. Wheaton (Ill.) - 196 points
7. Simpson - 265 points
8. Millikin - 294 points
9. Aurora - 294 points
10. North Central (Ill.) - 317 points

Storm Lineup
36. Lara Kallem - 23:24.4
44. Teghan Booth - 23:36.0
45. Ashley Rockhold - 23:37.9
57. Emma Angus - 24:04.3
88. Emily Erhardt - 24:49.4
115. Elie Tuhn - 25:45.3
129. Skyler Blessman - 26:26.8