The Dordt University women's cross country team won their third straight GPAC Championship on a chilly morning in Jamestown, North Dakota. The 2022 championship was run at the Pinehurst Recreation Area.
The Defenders totaled 33 points and finished well ahead of second place Hastings (64) and third place Concordia (75) to claim their third straight title. This is the sixth conference championship in eight years under Head Coach
Nate Wolf and the Defenders ninth title in the last 11 years as they continue their strong tradition.
Dordt took home individual gold as well as
Jessica Kampman claimed the overall individual title, completing the 5K course in 18:10, 31 seconds in front of Emily Haverdink (Northwestern). Kampman is the sixth Defender to win the GPAC individual championship, joining teammate
Taylor Anema (2020), Olivia Couch (2019), Annechiena Knevelbaard (2018), Michell Steiger (2010) and Jen Kempers (2008). Kampman is now a three-time all-conference runner, finishing fifth in 2020 and as the runner-up in 2021.
The Defenders showcased their outstanding depth as five Dordt runners finished among the top 15 and eight placed in the top 25 (the top 15 individuals earn all-conference honors).
Kristine Honomichl finished the course in fourth place and with a time of 18:54, her third top 10 finish at the conference championship. Honomichl has been a constant in the top 15 this season, placing in the top 10 four times and in the top 15 in all five meets.
Lucy Borkowski was close behind in sixth place, her best ever finish at the GPAC Championship, and earned all-conference honors for the first time. Borkowski completed the course in 19:08 and has three top 10 finishes this season.
Molly Mulder continued her outstanding freshman campaign with a ninth place finish at today's conference championship, posting a time of 19:17 and recording her second top 10 finish this season.
Anika Homan rounded out the Defenders top five and turned in her best finish at the GPAC meet (13th) with a time of 19:30. Homan earned all-conference honors for the first time.
Two more Dordt runners, seniors
Elyse Kuperus and
Greichaly Ellens, registered their best ever finish at the conference championship and gave the Defenders seven runners in the top 25. Kuperus placed 21st (20:08) and Ellens was just behind in 23rd place (20:14). Completing the Defenders lineup were
Jessica Opfer (33rd - 20:36),
Bethany Ten Haken (36th - 20:42) and
Taylor Anema (61st - 21:53).
"The women raced very strong today," stated Head Coach Nate Wolf. "In cold conditions, they moved incredibly well from the 1- mile to the 2-mile mark, putting themselves in a great position for a final push over the last 700 meters. Jessica continued her outstanding season by winning her first individual conference championship by over 30 seconds ahead of second place. I could not be prouder of this team for overcoming several obstacles throughout the year to win their third consecutive team championship."
Dordt earned an automatic bid into the upcoming NAIA Cross Country National Championship, held later this month (Nov. 18) in Tallahassee, Florida.
