COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Pittsburg State University women's cross country team raced to the 2023 MIAA Championship Friday (Oct. 5) at Gans Creek Cross Country Course.
 
The Gorillas placed three runners among the top eight individuals as Kate Dawson finished second, Paige Mullen placed seventh and Hannah Gibson crossed the line eighth. Dawson was timed in 21 minutes, 36.67 seconds in the five-kilometer race, while Mullen finished in 21:52.25 and Gibson was clocked in 21:58.31. All three runners earned All-MIAA honors by placing in the top 10 in the race.
 
Pitt State compiled 57 points to claim the program's 13th all-time MIAA crown. Missouri Southern also placed four runners in the top 20 and finished second with 65 points.
 
Fort Hays State's Regan Hodsden claimed the individual title with a fast time of 21:29.8.
 
Claire Bruening finished 16th overall for the Gorillas in 22:19.21 and Marissa Dick placed 24th (22:42.52) to complete Pitt State's scored runners in the field. Bruening earned honorable mention All-MIAA honors for her top 20 finish.
 
The Pitt State women have won five of the last six MIAA titles (2017-19, '22-23). UNK claimed the conference crown in 2021; and MIAA squads did not compete in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Gorillas also secured MIAA titles in 1991-93, 2001-03 and 2010-11.