WESTERVILLE – The Otterbein University women's cross country team turned in an impressive showing on its home course, finishing second overall at the 2025 Ohio Athletic Conference Championship. The Cardinals tallied 45 points to place just behind Ohio Northern, who captured the team title with 31.

Freshman Kate Thormeier led the charge, placing third individually with a personal-best time of 22:33 to earn First Team All-OAC honors. Close behind was sophomore Brenna Lay, who finished fourth in 22:38 to also claim First Team recognition. Junior Abby Kobs joined them on the First Team after taking ninth place with a personal-record time of 23:08.

A pair of freshmen rounded out Otterbein's scoring pack, as Ollie Smith placed 13th in 23:17 and Ella Degenhard came in 16th with 23:27, both earning Second Team All-OAC accolades.

Junior Ava Stratmann followed with a 23:46, while freshman Gigi Leiter (24:13, PR) and sophomore Eliza McDonald (24:14, PR) came through next. Senior Rachel Ziel finished in 24:31, and freshman Grace Blonde posted a 24:38 to notch another personal record.

Sophomore Maggie Moon (24:52, PR), junior Kierstin Knell (24:53), sophomore Maggie Poor (25:05), and sophomore Kennedy Helton (25:23) rounded out the Cardinals' efforts in a competitive 105-runner field.

Otterbein will now turn its focus to the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship, scheduled for Nov. 15 in Louisville, Ky.