North Carolina State Women Claim 3-Peat, And By The Thinnest Margin

North Carolina State was without their No. 2, but somehow found a way to take down No. 1 NAU at NCAAs

Nov 18, 2023 by Maxx Bradley

North Carolina State Women Claim 3-Peat, And By The Thinnest Margin

Despite not having multiple time All-American Kelsey Chmiel on the line, the NC State women made huge moves over the last kilometer, eventually being able to hold off No. 1 ranked Northern Arizona, 123-124, at the NCAA Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Panorama Farms.

Behind the Wolfpack's No. 1, Katelyn Tuohy, who finished fifth in 19:23.00, and the 1-2 punch of Amaris Tyynismaa and Samantha Bush in 25th and 28th, the Wolfpack put together three All-American placements.

True freshman Leah Stephens was just outside of the top 40 in 43rd, while Grace Hartman capped the scoring as she crossed in 63rd.

A year ago, Florida phenom Parker Valby led for roughly 6,000m of the race in Stillwater, Oklahoma but ultimately was caught and passed by Tuohy.

This morning, Valby put her foot on the gas and never looked back.

After winning her first NCAA title on the track in June, Valby posted an undefeated season on her way to her first NCAA title on the grass. She broke the race wide open, at one point having over 20 seconds between herself and the chase pack.

Valby crossed in 18:55.2, both a championship and course record. The next three finishers came in waves, as Alabama's Doris Lemngole, Notre Dame's Olivia Markezvich and 'Bama's Hilda Olemomoi went 2-3-4 in 19:05.7, 19:10.0, and 19:22.1, respectively.

Hugs all around for the champs🏆#WolfpackXC - #GoPack pic.twitter.com/LKPn6asc2H
— Pack Track & Field and Cross Country (@Wolfpack_TFXC) November 18, 2023

The Lumberjacks put themselves in a great position to de-throne NC State, as Gracelyn Larkin, Annika Reiss, and Elise Stearns were all in the top 20, followed by Ruby Smee and Ali Upshaw in 54th and 57th.

However, when the dust settled, it was the two-time defending NCAA champions from Cary, North Carolina who were celebrating as they had officially went back-to-back-to-back.

The Oklahoma State Cowgirls were third, led by Billah Jepkirui in seventh, with Notre Dame and Florida rounding out the top five teams.

Here's a look at the women who earned All-American status, and the top 20 teams in the nation. You can find official results here.