ROCK ISLAND, Ill.- The University of Chicago Maroons women's cross-country team delivered a stellar performance at the NCAA D3 Midwest Regional Championships on November 16, 2024, claiming the regional title for the first time since 2013. The meet was held at Saukie Golf Course in Rock Island, IL.
 

The Maroons dominated the field, scoring just 36 points behind a strong pack running effort. Evelyn Battleson-Gunkel led the team with a first-place finish, crossing the line in 21:11.4 to become UChicago's first individual regional champion since Khia Kurtenbach in 2016. Nora Holmes (7th), Estelle Snider (8th), Anna Watson (9th), and Elisabeth Camic (11th) rounded out the team's scoring positions, with only six seconds separating runners 2 through 5—an exceptional display of cohesion. Laura Baeyens (22nd) and Rebecca Sonn-Lees (34th) completed the Maroons' regional championship team.
 

Notably, all seven Maroons who competed earned All-Region honors, a remarkable achievement showcasing the depth and consistency of the squad.
 

"This felt like a really strong team race for our women," said head coach Chris Hall "We only had six seconds separating our 2 through 5 runners, which is exceptional. I also was pleased that they ran very relaxed throughout the race and didn't need to overextend themselves the week prior to NCAAs."
 

The Maroons now turn their attention to the NCAA Championships, taking place on November 23 at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, IN. They aim to carry this momentum onto the national stage.