WAVERLY, Iowa — The Loras College women's cross country team capped its season with a seventh-place finish out of 30 teams Saturday at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Championships, hosted by Wartburg College at the Max Cross Country Course.

Keelee Leitzen continued her standout season, placing fourth in 21:46.1 to earn All-Region honors and secure her spot at the NCAA Division III National Championships in Spartanburg, S.C. Head coach Ethan Adlfinger praised her performance in her first regional appearance. "I was very impressed with the way she handled her first regional championship," said Adlfinger. "It was a near-perfect race where she sat off the lead pack, covered the right moves, and did what she needed to do." He added that her best race of the season is still ahead of her.

Paige Jacobs delivered another strong moment for the Duhawks, earning All-Region honors for the first time in her career. She finished 32nd in 23:11.8. "She really is the definition of our program, getting better and finding high-level success in Division III running."

The Duhawks also saw solid performances throughout their lineup. Ivy Glendening placed 53rd in 23:46.8, marking a major improvement from her freshman season, when she finished 123rd. Bailey Vaughan placed 66th in 23:58.9, with Adlfinger noting her impact as a valuable addition and strong leader. Freshman Savannah Davis finished 69th in 24:01.0, a promising debut that has the coaching staff excited for her future. Hunter Jones and Lylli Jorgenson rounded out the team, placing 133rd (25:32.0) and 150th (26:07.9), respectively.

"I was very happy with the women finishing seventh overall. Coming into the season unranked and outside the top 10, they all improved significantly, and that's all I wanted and expected from them."

The regional meet concludes the season for the Duhawks, while Leitzen will continue on to compete at the NCAA Championships on Saturday, Nov. 22, in Spartanburg, S.C.