MADISON, Wisc- Columbia women's cross country finished off a great season this morning at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Madison, Wisconsin.  The Lions came in 18th place out of 31 teams in the field, and as the highest finisher from the Ivy League schools represented at the race.
 
Last year, the Lions finished 28th in the field and prior had not reached the NCAA Championships since 2008.
 
"It was a crazy one, as any national meet would be.  We went out really fast which is scary and intimidating, but it was a really fun race," senior Erin Gregoire said.  "It was the largest stage we competed on this season and so going into it we were all a little bit intimidated.  The conditions were what we have been used to given the past couple races. The weather helped us to take the mind off the race itself and make it more fun and less stressful."
 
Senior Libby Kokes was the top finisher for Columbia, coming across the line in 20:43.6 landing her in the 50th spot out of 253 runners.  Second on the squad was Alexandra Hays, who completed the 6k course in 21:05.1 and a 101th spot.
 
Erin Gregoire and Katie Wasserman finished together in 118th and 120th place respectively, with two seconds between their finishes of 21:12.5 and 21.14.2 respectively. Rounding out the top five finishers for the Lions was Abby McLaughlin, marking a 21:47.3 time and a 190th place finish.
 
"Our goal having run how we have run all season was to be in the top 20. We ran really well," Dan Ireland, Director of Cross Country, said.   "To come back here with a completely different team, only two of these women who were here today ran last year in this meet.  I'm really impressed with these ladies what they did sticking together and to battle all the way through."