by FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota State women’s cross country team will attempt to claim its fourth Summit League cross country title in five seasons on Saturday in Brookings, S.D.
The women’s six-kilometer race is scheduled to begin at noon on Oct. 31 at Edgebrook Golf Course.
The Bison women finished second in the team race last season, ending their streak of three consecutive Summit League team titles. NDSU returns a balance of experience and youth this year as it tries to regain its spot atop the league.
Junior Erin Teschuk is the reigning Summit League individual champion and the conference Athlete of the Year in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. She’ll look to defend her crown on Saturday, but the team race will be decided by the remainder of the Bison squad.
Redshirt freshman Brittany Brownotter (Standing Rock Sioux) has been NDSU’s top finisher in each of the last two meets, including an individual title at the UND Ron Pynn Classic on Oct. 17 in a personal-best 5k time. Brownotter claimed North Dakota Gatorade Athlete of the Year honors in cross country and track as a prep at Bismarck HS.
Junior Taylor Janssen is likely to be in the mix for All-Summit League honors again this year after placing 10th overall for second-team honors in 2014. She has finished among NDSU’s top three at each meet this season.
A trio of Bison underclassmen may play a big role in the race for the team title, with true freshmen Kayla Huhnerkoch and Emma Kusch Dahle and sophomore Jenny Guibert fighting for precious team points.
South Dakota is the defending champion on the women’s side, and the Coyotes were picked as the preseason league favorite.
