Storm take 20th at regionals

WAVERLY, Iowa -- The top six runners finished within 23 places of each other and the Simpson women's cross country team placed 20th at the NCAA Central Region Championships on Saturday.

Kaitlyn Murano paced the Storm for the second week in a row, placing 115th in the field of 207 runners. Shelby Hunemiller, Audrey Klein and Mackenzie Laughlin all finished within nine places of Murano.

"It was a solid effort by our women today," head coach Heath Moenck said. "Having four freshmen and one sophomore in our top eight bodes well for our future. This group has been a joy to coach all season."

One of the rookies, Murano completed the 6k course in 24:38.4. Hunemiller concluded her career with a 119th-place finish, running a 24:41.7. Klein came in 121st in 24:45.2 and another freshman, Laughlin, took 124th in 25:02.4.

Ashlee Litterer (134th, 25:16.8), Emily Buchheit (138th, 25:23.6) and Kyli Orr (164th, 26:10.2) rounded out the Storm's lineup.

Storm Varsity Finishers
Kaitlyn Murano — 115th, 24:38.4
Shelby Hunemiller— 119th, 24:41.7
Audrey Klein— 121st, 24:45.2
Mackenzie Laughlin— 124th, 25:02.4
Ashlee Litterer — 134th, 25:16.8
Emily Buchheit — 138th, 25:23.6
Kyli Orr — 164th, 26:10.2