MAPLEWOOD, Minn. - The University of Northwestern Women's Cross Country team dominantly opened the 2025 season on Friday afternoon at the Battle Creek Triangular, held on the challenging, hilly course at Battle Creek Regional Park. The Eagles posted a perfect score of 15, claiming the top five spots and placing 11 runners ahead of North Central's first finisher in the meet.
Sophomore Emery Maki (Hibbing, Minn./Hibbing) set the tone true to form as the overall champion, conquering the hills in 21:28. She was followed closely by Natalie Van De Riet (Albertville, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville) in 2nd place 21:29 and Ellie Nelson (Redwood Falls, Minn./Redwood Valley) completed the podium sweep with a time of 21:34. Cheyanne Scalese (Lancaster, Minn./Lancaster Public) took 4th in 21:53, while Caroline Ringsmuth (Maple Grove, Minn./Maple Grove) rounded out the scoring five in 5th at 22:00, sealing the Eagles' perfect score.
Northwestern kept the pressure on with Isabelle Yuhanna (Ham Lake, Minn./North Lakes Academy) placing 6th in 22:04. From there, a strong pack of Eagles swept the rest of the top 10: Mariah Klippenes (South Haven, Minn./Annandale), Torah Barrett (Belle Plaine, Minn./Jordan), Chloe Zimmerman (Helena, Mont./Capital), and Alicia Arredondo (Robbinsdale, Minn./Homeschool) clocked times of 23:31, 24:04, 24:05, and 24:06, respectively. Samary Acuna (Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley) crossed in 11th with a time of 24:21, giving UNW 11 straight finishers before NCU broke through. Rounding out the Eagles' efforts, Jessica Morrone (Phillips, Wis./Phillips) finished 13th with a time of 29:10, while Kennedy Van De Riet (St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville) crossed the finish line at 30:33 in 15th place. It was a statement start for the Eagles, who not only showed off front-end talent but also depth across the roster on a true cross-country course.
Next up, Northwestern will race on Friday, September 5, at 6:00 PM in the Toni St. Pierre Invitational, hosted by the College of Saint Benedict at River Oaks Golf Course in Cold Spring, Minn.
