SPOKANE, Wash. – With multiple student-athletes making noticeable advancements in the late portion of their respective races, the Linfield cross country delegation turned in a solid all-around effort Saturday at the NCAA Division III West Region Championships.
 
The meet, drawing teams from the Northwest Conference, Southern California Intercollegiate Athletics Conference, American Southwest Conference and Southern Collegiate Athletics Conference, was staged under clear skies but chilly temperatures at Plantes Ferry Park.
 
Saturday's races marked the end of the fall cross country season for the Wildcat harriers, most of whom will take a winter break before resuming competition in the early spring as part of the Linfield track and field team.
 
WOMEN
Three Wildcats placed among the top 100 placers at the regional meet, leading Linfield to a 15th-place finish in a crowded field of 23 teams and 165 student-athletes.
 
The 'Cats were led by Jennifer Torres Bermudez, who reached the finish line in 23 minutes, 23.1 seconds to place 44th.
 
Surging 16 places over the final five kilometers, Makayla Erickson followed just seconds behind Torres Bermudez, taking 60^th place in 23:41.1.
 
Mary Sturley, competing in her first regional championship race, placed 82nd in 24:25.5. The freshman from Grants Pass, Oregon, rose 19 places over the final four kilometers to claim a spot among the top 100 finishers.
 
Also contributing to Linfield's team score was Kaylee Delzotti, who was 123^rd in 25:44.5. Holly Riley rounded out the team scoring, placing 123^rd in 25:58.7.
 
Other Linfield women who ran the race on Saturday included Anna Frazier, who reached the finish line in 26:29.0, and Amber Chaffee, who timed 26:35.6.
 
MEN
Three Linfield men qualified to compete in the regional championships as individuals.
 
Bradley Kiltow continued his late-season improvement, placing 51st in his first regional race. Kiltow moved ahead 29 places over the final six kilometers to finish in 26:08.04.
 
Kiltow's time was a full minute faster than teammate Alex Oathout, who placed 106th in 27:08.8. Calvin Cahill also represented Linfield, timing 27:47.5 to secure 125th place. There were 160 total entires in the men's race.