Benedictine Women Captures Seventh Heart Cross Country Championship
The Benedictine College women's cross country team returned to championship form at the 2025 Heart of America Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships, claiming the program's seventh conference title and first since 2023.
The Ravens showcased outstanding depth, placing five runners in the top ten to secure the team victory. Freshman Betsy Skendzel led Benedictine with a third-place finish (21:44.2), followed by Cecilia Campos (4th – 21:48.3), Catherine Aaron (6th – 21:54.8), Jeanna Marie Lotz (7th – 22:00.1), and Emilie Nelson (10th – 22:05.8).
Mount Mercy's Abby Knepper earned the individual title with a time of 21:26.6, while William Woods' Crystal Ruden finished second.
Benedictine finished with 30 points to take first place, followed by Mount Mercy University (75) and Missouri Baptist University (100).
The Ravens will now prepare to represent the Heart at the upcoming NAIA Cross Country National Championships.
Top 3 Teams:
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Benedictine College – 30
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Mount Mercy University – 75
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Missouri Baptist University – 100
Top Individual Finishers:
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Abby Knepper – Mount Mercy – 21:26.6
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Crystal Ruden – William Woods – 21:32.2
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Betsy Skendzel – Benedictine – 21:44.2
Full Results: Women's Results