After entering the NAIA Cross Country Championships ranked No. 25, the Baker University women’s team finished 17th out of 32 teams Saturday at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence.

The Wildcats were led by seniors Lauren Jaqua and Megan Rosa, who finished 76th and 125th, respectively, with 5K times of 19:04.28 and 19:23.51.

“It was really kind of hard getting out in that first mile, but I think the second mile is a really good opportunity to fight on the downhills and the uphills,” Rosa said. “I think overall, it went pretty well today.”

Freshman Jillian Benson followed 10 seconds behind Rosa for 147th, and senior Ashley McBride placed 158th with a time of 19:33.80. McBride joined Jaqua as a four-time national qualifier.

“I’m so honored. What a dream come true,” McBride said. “Who would have expected it? In high school, I’m like, ‘I can’t believe I’m running in college,’ and here I am finishing nationals for my fourth time.”

Junior Kerry Kurta rounded out the top five runners for the Wildcats, coming in at 172nd overall with a time of 19:46.81.

“Kerry’s probably got the most dedication on the team,” Baker coach Zach Kindler said of Kurta, who was unable to train with the team this season while attending nursing school.

Haskell Indian Nations University was also represented in Saturday’s meet. Chad Upshaw competed for the men’s team, and Tiar’e Little Head, Talisa Budder and Ashlee Wermy ran for the women’s squad.

Upshaw placed 289th overall with an 8K time of 28:14.22. He was pleased to run close to his time from the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference meet Nov. 9 despite the more challenging course and weather on Saturday at Rim Rock.

“I got to represent my native people, my country and my family,” Upshaw said, “so it was good to run out here with everybody.”

Budder led the way for the Haskell women, placing 177th with a time of 19:51.14. It was Budder’s third time running at the national meet.

Little Head and Wermy returned to nationals for their second time. Little Head placed 260th with a time of 20:53.63, and Wermy finished 305th, crossing the line at 22:02.83.

NAIA Championships

Saturday at Rim Rock Farm

MEN (8K)

Team scores: 1. Oklahoma City 77, 2. Southern Oregon 124, 3. Emmanuel 148, 4. St. Francis 157, 5. Aquinas 185, 6. Olivet Nazarene 188, 7. Shawnee State 233, 8. British Columbia 273, 9. Lewis-Clark State 280, 10. Bryan 280.

Top 10 finishers: 1. Eric Avila (Southern Oregon), 24:02.45. 2. Sam Atkin (Lewis-Clark State), 24:21.49. 3. Mizael Carrera (Robert Morris), 24:25.03. 4. Andrew Reidsma (Trinity Christian), 24:35.69. 5. Ethan Gallagher (Olivet Nazarene), 24:37.61. 6. Brad Liston (Shawnee State), 24:42.92. 7. Adam Godwin (Oklahoma Baptist), 24:47.18. 8. Peter Koskey (Oklahoma City), 24:48.29. 9. Joshua Gomez (Concordia), 24:50.94. 10. Kyle Anderson (Spring Arbor), 24:52.61.

Haskell results: 289. Chad Upshaw, 28:14.22.

WOMEN (5K)

Team scores: 1. British Columbia 56, 2. College of Idaho 97, 3. Biola 174, 4. Lewis-Clark State 189, 5. Olivet Nazarene 196, 6. Dordt 199, 7. Oklahoma Baptist 213, 8. Cal St. San Marcos 215, 9. Northwest Christian 228, 10. Taylor 270, 17. Baker 451.

Top 10 finishers: 1. Hillary Holt (College of Idaho), 16:48.13. 2. Hannah Helker (Oklahoma Baptist), 16:57.99. 3. Maria Bernard (British Columbia), 17:18.94. 4. Sora Klopfenstein (College of Idaho), 17:52.30. 5. Kristen Garwood (Hannibal-LaGrange), 17:56.53. 6. Sarah Jerotich (Wayland Baptist), 18:04.08. 7. Leah Esposito (Carroll), 18:05.52. 8. Lila Klopfenstein (College of Idaho), 18:11.30. 9. Alyssa Rapovy (Lewis-Clark State), 18:12.64. 10. Danielle Hoop (Cumberlands), 18:13.60.

Baker results: 76. Lauren Jaqua, 19:04.28. 125. Megan Rosa, 19:23.51. 147. Jillian Benson, 19:33.80. 158. Ashley McBride, 19:39.88. 172. Kerry Kurta, 19:46.81. 258. Rachel Ash, 20:52.96. 275. Shelby Stephens, 21:11.77.

Haskell results: 177. Talisa Budder, 19:51.14. 260. Tiar’e Littlehead, 20:53.63. 305. Ashlee Wermy, 22:02.83.