OSKALOOSA, Iowa - The Ashford University women's cross country team closed out the fall season at the Midwest Collegiate Conference Championship meet on Saturday at the Lacey Sports Complex, finishing sixth out of eight programs.

The Saints compiled 186 points, finishing ahead of William Penn University and Iowa Wesleyan College in the team standings.

"All these women have put a tremendous amount of effort and work into this year," AU Head Coach Tyson Graham said. "Hopefully as we hit the recruiting trail next year, we will see dramatic improvement from year one to year two as our men's team did this year. Then, maybe in one or two years we can fight for close to the top spot in conference."

Freshman Nkemdilim Okwumabua (22:53) of Rockford, Ill., wrapped up an impressive rookie year that saw her pace AU in every regular-season 5K meet. She finished 32nd in a field of 72 individuals.

Senior Nichole Salazar (24:44) of Minooka, Ill., and freshman Ashley Murray (24:47) of Mason City, were neck-and-neck coming into the finish line, and freshman Chhutani Berry (28:54) of Chicago set a personal record.

Junior Olivia Canales (30:52) of Sterling, Ill., and senior Datisha Duncan (32:48) of Burbank Ill., rounded out the Saints' times. Their efforts allowed AU to push ahead and take hold of sixth in the team standings.