PITTSBURG, Kan. – University of Arkansas Fort Smith Women's Cross Country posted its highest finish at a conference meet since 2017, as the Lions finished eighth at the MIAA Championships Saturday.

The Lions totaled 289 points in the 6k event as they battled rainy weather and a muddy course.

Rachel Malik led the Lions for the first time this season as she finished in 23:29.27. Madison Thurston followed closely behind as she finished the event in 23:50.61. Cecilia Perez rounded out the top three for the Lions as she crossed the line in 24:33.69.

Michaela Kaelin and Annabella Tedder finished back-to-back for the Lions in 24:48.17 and 24:50.69, respectively, to complete the top five runners. To complete the scoring for the Lions, Zoe Nesbitt finished in 25:35.12 and Brookelyn Davis finished in 26:23.93.

UAFS wraps up the 2025 season November 8 at the NCAA II Central Regional in Joplin, Missouri.