NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Loras College women's cross country team climbed to No. 5 in the latest United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Midwest Region rankings released Tuesday.

The Duhawks are coming off a strong showing at the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Championships, placing third out of nine teams on their home course at the Dubuque Soccer Complex.

A-R-C champion Keelee Leitzen led the way, winning the individual title in 21:24.1 which is the fourth-fastest in program history, and earning Most Valuable Runner, Rookie of the Year, and All-Conference honors. Paige Jacobs joined her on the all-conference list with a 46-second personal best (22:49.5) and an 18-place improvement from last season, while Bailey Vaughan finished 18th in 22:53.9 to also earn all-conference recognition.

Ivy Glendening cut 13 seconds off her best time, improving 15 places from last year, and Savannah Davis notched a 1:12 personal record to round out the team's top five in 23:22.9. Hunter Jones added a 29-second season best, and Sarah Gibson posted a 44-second personal record.

Up next: The Purple and Gold travel to Waverly, Iowa, for the NCAA Division III Midwest Regionals on Saturday, Nov. 15, hosted by Wartburg College. Racing begins at noon.