Women Prepare for Region IV Championship at Hawk's Haven

Palatine, IL: The Harper women's cross country team will compete in the NJCAA Region IV Cross Country Championships on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Hawk's Haven on Harper's Palatine campus, as the Hawks look to close out their season with a strong performance on their home course.

The meet marks the first time in more than a decade that Harper has hosted the regional championships, bringing teams from across the region together to compete for individual and team honors. For the Hawks, the championship provides an opportunity to showcase the progress made throughout a season of development and compete in front of their home crowd.

Cecilia Puchalski and Amanda Albrecht have led the Harper lineup throughout the season, with both freshmen making an immediate impact in their first collegiate cross country campaigns. Puchalski opened the season by placing 16th in 23:06 at the North Central Invitational, while Albrecht finished 17th in 23:20.

Lucy Reyna has continued to gain experience after transitioning from pole vault during the spring track and field season to cross country this fall. Reyna placed 19th in 25:49 in her collegiate cross country debut, adding depth to the Hawks' lineup as she adjusts to distance running. When asked about the team's chemistry, Reyna highlighted the positive atmosphere that has helped motivate the runners throughout the season.

"I would say our team is probably the most positive and fun group I've experienced in a while and so that helps so much during season because it makes me want to do the best I can and not let my team down and overall be better every race and practice."

Carly Bierman has also contributed to the young Harper roster. Bierman finished 20th in 26:02 at the season-opening North Central Invitational, rounding out a strong opening performance in which all four Harper runners finished inside the top 20.

Throughout the fall, the Hawks have continued to face challenging competition at meets across the Midwest, gaining valuable experience as they prepare for the postseason. With a developing roster, the regional championship represents another opportunity for the team to measure its progress and finish the season on a positive note.

Saturday's championship will also give the Hawks the advantage of competing on their home course at Hawk's Haven. The women's 5K is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., with individual All-Region recognition on the line for the top five Division III finishers.

With the national championships scheduled for Nov. 14 in Huntsville, Alabama, the regional meet will serve as an important test for Harper as the Hawks look to deliver a strong performance to close out their season.

Spectators are welcome to attend and support Harper as the Hawks compete for regional honors at Hawk's Haven.

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Players Mentioned

Cecilia Puchalski: Freshman

Amanda Albrecht: Freshman

Carly Bierman: Freshman

Lucy Reyna: Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Cecilia Puchalski
: Freshman

Amanda Albrecht
: Freshman

Carly Bierman
: Freshman

Lucy Reyna
: Sophomore