CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — 2nd-year runner Abigail Huff led the Harding women's cross-country junior varsity squad to a second-place team finish Saturday morning at the 2026 Ozarks Invitational at the Clarksville High School Cross Country Course.
Competing over a 5,000-meter course in a five-team collegiate field, the Lady Bisons totaled 54 points with a combined team time of 1:47:27. Harding claimed the runner-up position behind host University of the Ozarks (20 points) while outpointing NorthWest Arkansas Community College (60 points), Sul Ross State (99 points), and Central Baptist (126 points).
Huff, a native of Cabot, Arkansas, was the top finisher for the Lady Bisons, crossing the line in 20:26.5 to place fifth overall and secure five team points.
3rd-year Emily Driskill followed in ninth place overall (ninth team point) with a time of 20:49.7, and 1st-year Hailyn Counts placed 10th overall (10th team point) in 21:02.9 to give Harding three runners in the top 10.
A pair of 1st-year runners rounded out Harding's scoring five. Amber Perkins placed 18th overall (14th team point) in 22:16.5, while Bailey Chism crossed in 21st overall (16th team point) at 22:50.5.
Host Ozarks secured the team championship by placing four runners in the top six collegiate scoring positions, led by individual champion Macy Weathers (19:08.6) and runner-up Savannah Williams (19:14.3).
Harding returns to action on Friday, Oct. 16, when the varsity squads travel to College Station, Texas, to compete in Texas A&M's Arturo Barrios Invitational.
Team Standings
| Rank |
Team |
Score |
Total Time |
Scoring Order |
|
1
|
Ozarks (Ark.)
|
20
|
1:39:21
|
1-2-3-6-8 (11) (12)
|
|
2
|
Harding
|
54
|
1:47:27
|
5-9-10-14-16
|
|
3
|
NorthWest Arkansas CC
|
60
|
1:49:29
|
4-7-13-15-21 (27)
|
|
4
|
Sul Ross St.
|
99
|
2:03:38
|
17-18-19-20-25 (26)
|
|
5
|
Central Baptist
|
126
|
2:13:56
|
22-23-24-28-29
|
Harding Finishers
