TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Western Michigan cross country team concluded its 2018 season at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championships on Friday, Nov. 9, scoring 450 points to place 14th of 32 teams, the best WMU finish since 2015.
"Overall as a team I am really proud of the ladies' performance," said associate head coach Taryn Sheehan. "The team really improved from where we finished at this meet the past two years. The Great Lakes region is one of the toughest regions in the country; with not just great athletes but really impressive teams."
Sarah Anderson led the way for the Broncos, finishing in 35th place with a time of 21:17. Juliane Sormain followed at 21:55 to place 62nd.
"Sarah came into this meet with some really big goals that we fell just a bit short of but her improvements are something to be really excited about when we look ahead towards the track season," Sheehan said. "Juliane also had a really great race today and her improvements with cross country this year are something to really be excited about."
The University of Michigan took home first place, with an average time of 20:44 among its top-five runners.
As a team, the Brown & Gold averaged a 6k time of 22.16 with their top-five runners. Maria McDaniel (22:33), Paisley Sipes (22:34 – personal best), and Brittney Hall (23:04) rounded out the Broncos' top-five behind Anderson and Sormain.
Chloe McEachern and Courtney Allen finished sixth and seventh for WMU, respectively. McEachern tied her career-best at 23:10, while Allen finished at 23:22.
 "Paisley ran a personal best today which on this course in these conditions is really exciting. Brittney has been great all season and has shown no matter the race she always lines up and has the ability to race strong and consistent, which has been great for a team to be able to rely on. I am so proud of Courtney and Chloe's improvements this fall for being young runners on our team. I think they are really going to help the future success of this program through these experiences and leadership," said Sheehan.
"Maria ran one of the most gutsy performances out of any athlete I've ever seen," Sheehan commented. "Her composure and ability to fight today is definitely something that championship athletes are made of."
