LC State Women's Cross Country Rose to No. 15
The Warriors climbed six spots in the latest NAIA Top 25 ratings following strong performances in Oregon and Idaho.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Running
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LC State Women's Cross Country moved to No. 15 in the national rankings this September. The team secured the jump after winning the Lewis & Clark XC Opener in Portland and placing fourth at the NNU Invitational.
Why it matters
The improved standing reflects the team's strong early-season performance in competitive meets. This upward momentum establishes the Warriors as a key program within the NAIA landscape.
LC State climbed six spots to reach the No. 15 position in the national ratings. The team recently competed in a 6k race at the NNU Invitational in Nampa.
The players
LC State Women's Cross Country
This collegiate cross country team represents Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston.
Damaris Kibiwot
She is a standout runner for LC State who recently earned CCC Runner of the Week honors.
NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is the governing body for small college sports in the United States.
College of Idaho
This institution maintains a high-ranking cross country program that currently holds the No. 3 spot in the NAIA.
The details
Damaris Kibiwot, Kelsey Plymale, and Aubree Williams led the Warriors as the top three finishers during the first two meets. Kibiwot also earned recognition as the CCC Runner of the Week for her contributions to the team's success.
Timeline
The NAIA Top 25 ratings were released in September 2026.
The NNU Invitational took place last weekend.
Season Trajectory
This leap to No. 15 signifies the Warriors' growing influence in the NAIA rankings this season. The shift highlights their increasing competitive balance against top-tier programs like College of Idaho.
The Warriors' rise suggests higher expectations for postseason qualification and competitive seeding. Consistent performances from top runners like Kibiwot, Plymale, and Williams will be critical in maintaining this top-15 standing.
The takeaway
Maintaining a top-15 position requires continued consistency from the team's lead runners throughout the fall schedule. Fans should monitor upcoming results to see if the squad can narrow the gap with top-five programs like the College of Idaho.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the sport, visit the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dailyfly News.
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