LC State Women Climb to No. 12 National Ranking
The Warriors secure a top-15 spot following a strong fifth-place performance at the Whitworth Frank Knott XC Classic.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Running
The LC State women’s cross country team has earned the No. 12 national ranking in the latest poll. This recognition follows the team’s fifth-place finish at the recent Whitworth Frank Knott XC Classic.
Why it matters
The ranking reflects the team's ongoing consistency, anchored by top performances from Damaris Kibiwot, Kelsey Plymale, and Aubree Williams. These runners have provided the necessary scoring foundation through three consecutive races.
LC State holds the No. 12 national ranking, bolstered by a fifth-place finish at the Whitworth Frank Knott XC Classic. The roster continues to utilize a rotating group of runners to round out its top five scorers.
The players
Damaris Kibiwot
She is one of the top runners for the LC State women's cross country team.
Kelsey Plymale
She serves as a primary scoring runner for the LC State cross country program.
Aubree Williams
She is a key contributor to the team's success in the current cross country season.
The details
Damaris Kibiwot, Kelsey Plymale, and Aubree Williams have consistently led the squad as the team's top three runners this season. The Warriors are currently maintaining this strong trajectory with a flexible lineup supporting their core scorers.
Timeline
Oct. 17, 2026: The team is scheduled to race at home.
Nov. 6, 2026: LC State hosts the Cascade Conference Cross Country Championships.
Nov. 20, 2026: The NAIA Cross Country National Championships will take place in Vancouver, Washington.
Season Trajectory
The current national ranking establishes LC State as a serious contender as they move toward the NAIA Cross Country National Championships. The team's performance impacts the competitive balance within the Cascade Conference and their positioning for postseason qualification.
The team’s No. 12 ranking serves as a benchmark for their qualification path to the NAIA national meet. Fans can track the scoring consistency of Kibiwot, Plymale, and Williams as the Warriors finalize their lineup for the postseason.
The takeaway
Maintaining a core group of top performers has provided the Warriors with the consistency needed to hold a national ranking. Developing depth in the back half of the top five will be crucial for the team as they approach the conference championships.
What happens next
LC State will compete at home on Oct. 17, 2026. The team will host the Cascade Conference Cross Country Championships on Nov. 6, 2026, followed by the NAIA Cross Country National Championships on Nov. 20, 2026.
Further reading
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