MONMOUTH, Ore. -- In a was crisp day for Vanguard women's cross country yesterday, as the squad participated in its first NCAA West Regional race.  The Lions finished 10th as a team (1:5049), with Ella Murray leading the pack with an 18th-place finish.  While neither of those results grant VU any automatic qualifiers, there is a chance for an at-large bid to the National Championships, and the squad gave it their all in a field that was loaded with top teams.  Biola's Bethany Mapes won the individual title (20:29.31) and Chico State collected the team honors with 40 points (1:44:23).
 
What Happened?  Murray had a season-best 6K time on Saturday, as she laid down a mark of 21:06.72.  She saved her best for her final loop, as she closed down the final kilometer in 3:14.8.  Kate Baranski had an overall time of 21:43 in 43rd and had a great kick, as her final kilometer was clocked at 3:15.6.  Only a slower fourth loop slowed her down on Saturday.
 
Lauren Pahl ended 40th after posting a time of 21:28.18, while Madyson Nakamura was 75th for the Blue and Gold and posted a mark of 22:19.  She also tallied a good final klick, as she came home on 3:29.7 interval.  Zoe Tavares was not too far behind in 90th after crossing the line in 22:39.1 and first and final loops were her best, with the last kilometer being a 3:27.7. 
 
Kaitlyn Smith finished with a time of 23:01.3 in 107th, with her fastest sector being her first (3:28.1).   It was the same story for Giselle Rubio, who had a 3:33 out of the game and concluded the day in 108th with a 23:05 total time.
 
What was Said?  "Our ladies put it all on the line today and raced their hearts out," said Head Coach Bryan Wilkins.  "I couldn't be more proud of this team and the amazing season they've had!  These ladies are special and they truly have Christ at the center, and their love and support for one another is next level!  I'm very blessed and honored to be their coach."