After placing sixth in the GSC championship, the UNA women’s cross country team qualified and will run in the NCAA Division II South Regionals Nov. 3.

“We are all extremely excited,” said Scott Trimble, head cross country coach. “The girls have worked excessively all year to time this right, and, fortunately, we are in our best shape as we enter the regionals.”

The team was thrown for a loop after the conference course was 320 meters longer than recorded. Trimble said that alone added close to 1.25 minutes to the runners’ times. Once cleared, however, Trimble said the team’s confidence hit the roof as they learned they each improved their times.

Freshman Olivia Brady and junior Victoria Acocella led the team in the GSC Championship and were awarded honors for second-team All-GSC. Both have high hopes for the team as a whole as they prepare for and approach the upcoming meet.

Brady said she is determined to beat her personal record in the regional meet after finishing 18th overall in the GSC championship.

“It’s going to be a good competition,” she said. “It will be a pretty tough course, but I know that we are ready.”

Acocella finished one second behind Brady in the recent championship. She said the team is confident overall and thrilled about the shape they are in.

“This is always our best of the season,” Acocella said. “We’ve worked hard, and now we’re putting out awesome times.

“When it comes to racing against the clock, you are going to be exactly what you put out there. We are all ready to put out our utmost best for this and, hopefully, more meets to come.”

Trimble said this year’s team has been a complete joy to coach.

“I couldn’t ask for a better group,” he said. “They never fail to do what is needed to be successful.”

Although the men’s team didn’t quite make the cut this season, both Brady and Acocella commented on the women’s excitement and appreciation of their support.