LOUISVILLE, Kent. – Stephenie Spencer (Bothell, Wash.) competed at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships for the second time on Saturday and improved on all accounts from her inaugural performance in 2015.  She finished 121^st in the 280-runner field, a 74-place improvement over last year.  She recorded her second fastest career time, 22:04.5, which was over 51 seconds faster than last season.  Spencer also moved up well during this year's race itself as she was in 148^th at the halfway mark.

Of the 56 women who qualified for the championships last year as an individual, just 25 were competing again this season – 17 as individuals and eight on qualifying teams.  Spencer is among nine of those 25 who can return for a third straight year after qualifying as an individual in 2015.  Next year's championships will take place on the campus of Prinicipia College in Elsah, Ill. on November 18.