Ostrander Chosen as NWC Women's Cross Country Student-Athlete of the Week

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Taylor Ostrander (Jr., Kenai, AK/Kenai Central HS) of Willamette University has been selected as the Northwest Conference Women's Cross Country Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending on Sept. 14. Ostrander won the individual title in a dual meet with the University of Alaska-Anchorage in Chugiak, Alaska, on Sept. 11.

Ostrander, competing in her home state for the first time as a collegiate athlete, won the women's 4.2-kilometer race in 15:28.0. She led a 1-2-5 finished by the Bearcats, who won the team championship with a score of 25. Alaska-Anchorage achieved a score of 31.

While winning the race, Ostander edged out teammate Olivia Mancl (So., Seattle, WA/Roosevelt HS), who placed second at 15:28.2. Michaela Freeby (Sr., Milwaukie, OR/Rex Putnam HS) of Willamette was fifth in 15:52.1.

Willamette entered the meet tied for #7 in the NCAA Division III Poll. Alaska-Anchorage was unranked, but placed fourth at the 2013 NCAA Division II Championships.

Last week's dual meet was held at Beach Lake Trails in Chugiak. It was the first time the Bearcats have competed in Alaska in any sport.

Willamette's next competition is set for Saturday, Sept. 20 when the Bearcats will host the Oak Knoll Loop Run. Meet time at the Oak Knoll Golf Course near Independence, Ore., is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. (PDT).