University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
NCAA Championships
Berkholtz Leads Gophers at NCAA Meet
11/22/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Led by redshirt juniors Liz Berkholtz, Becca Dyson and Kaila Urick, the Minnesota women's cross country team made its 10th-straight appearance at the NCAA Cross Country National Championship at LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course on Saturday morning. Minnesota placed 31st in the team standings.
"It was a tough day," head coach Sarah Hopkins said. "We got out a little bit slow, which has been something we've been trying to work out all year. I think today, we saw why I've been stressing all year that at these big meets, you just have to get out, trust yourself and go.
"I think we all know that we're better than that and we are a little disappointed in what we showed today. We just have to move on from here and take what we learn from it."
Berkholtz led the Gophers for the third-straight meet, finishing 80th overall in 21:06.3. It marked the highest NCAA finish of her career after taking 180th in 2013 and 214th in 2012.
"I think Liz had a really solid day, 80th for her was kind of what we were shooting for, that top 100, and on a great day closer to All-American status," Hopkins said. "I think she definitely ran her best national meet of the last three years."
Five of Minnesota's seven runners made their debuts at the national meet this year. After serving as alternates a year ago, Dyson finished 132nd in 21:26.3, and Urick was 192nd in 21:52.0.
Fellow Gophers Danielle Anderson (21:59.5), Haley Johnson (22:09.5) and Kate Bucknam (22:45.3) also raced at their first NCAA Championship.
"We have all these people who have national experience now, who didn't before today," Hopkins said. "They understand how to move forward and turn it into a good experience in terms of how we learn from it and what we can turn it into."
Meanwhile, fifth-year senior Ashlie Decker capped her Gopher career with her fourth NCAA appearance. Decker finished 242nd in 22:50.9.
Berkholtz became the fourth Gopher in the last four years to place in the top 80 at the national meet, joining Laura Docherty (61st, 2013), Molly Kayfes (78th, 2012) and Stephanie Price (61st, 2011).
Michigan State won the national title with 85 points, finishing 62 points ahead of runner-up Iowa State (147 points). Iona junior Kate Avery won the individual title in 19:31.6.
Gopher Results
80. Liz Berkholtz, 21:06.3
132. Becca Dyson, 21:26.3
192. Kaila Urick, 21:52.0
205. Danielle Anderson, 21:59.5
219. Haley Johnson, 22:09.5
239. Kate Bucknam, 22:45.3
242. Ashlie Decker, 22:50.9
Top 10 Team Finishes
1. Michigan State, 85
2. Iowa State, 147
3. New Mexico, 188
4. Georgetown, 189
5. Arkansas, 209
6. Oregon, 249
7. Colorado, 267
8. West Virginia, 277
9. Iona, 377
10. Wisconsin, 382
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Players Mentioned
