SEARCY — The Harding women's cross-country team kicked off its season in dominant fashion on Friday, with freshman Vivien Kipkorir capturing the individual title to lead the Lady Bisons to a first-place finish at the Steve Guymon Invitational on their home course. The Lady Bisons finished with a team score of 27, well ahead of second-place Little Rock (56) and third-place Christian Brothers (72).
Kipkorir, who will be a middle distance runner for the Harding track team, finished first overall with a time of 18:33.12. She was followed closely by teammate, senior Josie Parks, who secured second place in 18:52.12, and Christian Brothers' Kaley Byrd, who placed third (18:56.20).
The Lady Bisons' depth proved crucial to their victory, as all five of their scoring runners finished in the top 14. Addison Lyles placed fourth with a time of 19:04.41, and Zoe Williamson secured a top-10 finish, placing 10th with a time of 20:31.13. Jaclyn Weilnau (14th, 20:44.37), Emily Driskill (16th, 20:59.48), and McKellee Pape (18th, 21:15.91) rounded out the team's stellar performance.
The Harding women's cross-country team will compete next at the Lois Davis Invitational on Friday, September 19 in Magnolia, Arkansas.