Caroline's Charge

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the first time in program history, California Baptist University's women's cross country team was represented at the NCAA Division II Championships. Caroline Barkechir carried the banner for the Lancers after a spectacular season that included runner-up finishes at the PacWest Championship and West Regional meets.

Barkechir did not receive a friendly greeting at the NCAA Championships, as constant rains over the previous few days led to a sloppy, muddy course at Tom Sawyer State Park Saturday. Despite the messy conditions, the sophomore bolstered her resume and picked up valuable experience. Overall, she finished 103^rd in 22 minutes, 51.7 seconds.

"It was really sloppy today," Coach Ben Gall said. "The mud and the water was really deep today. A lot of people were slipping out there, but the conditions still were what they were."

Barkechir got out to a good start and was near the front of the pack after the opening gun. As the race went on, the course got worse with mud and large puddles lining the course.

"I think this was probably the first time she ever ran in this, let alone raced in it," Gall said of Barkechir, who hails from Kenya. "Obviously, to get here as a sophomore is a big deal. When you're here, it feeds the appetite moving forward. She can share this experience with the other girls when she gets back and hopefully bring the rest of them with her next year."

The All-PacWest and all-region runner finished as strong as she started, overcoming three runners down the home stretch to end the day to complete a great season.

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Caroline Barkechir

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