On Friday, Dec. 2, the men’s and women’s cross country teams participated in the NCAA Division II National Championship. Both performed well in this high-stakes event. 

WOMEN’S TEAM GETS 26th PLACE

On the cold Friday night, the Biola women hit the national level of the sport for the first time. Freshman Bethany Mapes had a very strong performance, leading the way through the first 600 meters and helping Biola get to 23rd place to that point. Sophomore Lynette Ruiz also showed a strong comeback performance. She started close to the rear of the pack but overcame 72 spots by the end and tallied 96 points for the Eagles. 

MEN’S TEAM SETS RECORDS

Graduate student Benjamin White led the way for the men’s team. He started near the back of the pack, but was able to climb 35 spots within 800 meters. White reached 73rd place by the end and finished with a time of 30:57.4. This was a record-breaking performance from the Eagles as the previous record was 75th place for the men. 

Be on the lookout for more Biola sporting events and scores on the Biola Athletics website.