Milligan Collects NAIA Runner-Up Finish; Montreat, Truett Post Solid Showings

TALLAHASSE, Fla. - The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) was well represented at the 2022 NAIA Women's Cross Country National Championship Meet as Milligan finished second, Montreat placed 21st, Truett McConnell crossed the line 31st, and the league had four to earn All-American honors.

The meet was held at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahasse, Fla.

Milligan tried to repeat as national champion as three runners finished in the top 20. However, Taylor (Ind.) had five runners to claim top-20 spots to claim the national title with 50 points. Milligan finished with 177 points in second.

Montreat nabbed a 21st-place showing with 534 points, while Truett McConnell finished 31st with 711 points in its first-ever team appearance at nationals.

The AAC had four runners earn NAIA All-American honors. Ellen Mary Kearney led the way with an eight-place finish. The other honorees are Caitlin Dominy of Milligan (14th place), Alyssa Bearzi of Milligan (18th place), and Jenna Mallory of Montreat (36th place).

Savannah Campbell of Truett McConnell narrowly missed out on making the NAIA All-American Team as she finished 43rd. The top 40 finishers are named NAIA All-Americans.

Here is how the individual runners from the AAC finished:

• Columbia: Makayla Hollified - 137th;
• Columbia International: Lydia Willhite - 227th;
• Reinhardt - Brooke Simon - 229th;
• SCAD Atlanta - Belinda Chepkosgi - 75th.

For complete race results, click here.