HANNIBAL, Mo. - The Columbia College women's cross country team competed at the 21st annual American Midwest Conference (AMC) Women's Cross Country Championships today, taking third of eight teams.

Two freshmen led the way for the Cougars, as Nataly Gutierrez and Lauren Berhorst saw top-10 performances, collecting All-AMC honors.

Gutierrez crossed the finish line first for Columbia, placing eighth with a time of 24:31. Just steps after came Lauren Berhorst taking ninth with at time of 24:35. Berhorst was also named to the Champions of Character team.

Columbia Order of Finish:
8. Nataly Gutierrez - 24:31
9. Lauren Berhorst - 24:35
14. Taylor Yoder - 25:15
15. Ella Jobe - 25:17
18. Paige Thielen - 25:45
20. Xavia Cullers - 25:56
29. Baylie Combs - 27:06
35. Kierstin Maddox - 27:52

Team Finishes:
1. William Woods (Mo.)
2. Missouri Baptist
3. Columbia
4. Cottey (Mo.)
5. Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.)
6. Health Sciences and Pharmacy (Mo.)
7. Williams Baptist (Ark.)
8. Central Baptist (Ark.)


Columbia will see action as they host the 2024 NAIA Women's Cross Country National Championships on November 22 at 11:30 a.m.