The women's cross country team finished its season with a ranking of seventh in the New England regional poll, improving from last year's rank of ninth. The team had its best performance at the New England Regional Championship, finishing seventh.
The team was led by Carolyn Baskir '14, who finished 15th and qualified for the NCAA Championship.
Olivia MacKenzie '13, who finished 55th out of over 300 runners, said that the team gave its best at regionals.
According to junior captain Anna Ackerman, the team had focused on mental preparation going into the race.
"I think that the change in focus from physical to the mental aspects of racing helped our toughness," she said.
Ackerman finished in the top 50 and was pleased that the team had a better performance than at last year's regionals. Part of its success was due to the seniors, who played a vital role in the outcome of the race.
"Our seniors were phenomenal racing their last cross country race," said MacKenzie.
Seniors Christina Argueta and Grace Kerr, who finished the race in the top 30, ran personal bests and made the All-New England team.
"After three miles we were in 30th place and I was so tired," said Argueta. "But Grace and I knew we'd come this far, and we couldn't give up now."
"They showed the best intelligence in their preparations, and tremendous courage in the race," coach Peter Slovenski said. "In the last race of the year, the runners left it all on the course. It was a fantastic effort."
Kerr said the reason for her and the team's success was due to the goals that they set at the beginning of the season.
"We attained our goal of finishing higher than our ranking last year and I think that is something to be proud of," she said.
Though the team's season is over, Baskir is still practicing and preparing for nationals.
"I am very happy to have qualified and honored to be representing Bowdoin," she said of the opportunity to race at nationals.
The team hopes to encourage Baskir and provide her with whatever assistance she needs as she prepares for the national stage.
"It will be great experience for her," said Mackenzie. "I know this is just the beginning of her involvement in national competition and being at that level as a freshman is extremely impressive."
While the team provides Baskir with full support, some sadness has become apparent as the season comes to an end.
"The past two days, we have been wandering aimlessly," said Argueta. "I already miss that thrill of racing and training. When [the indoor track and field season] comes, we will be hungry for the next challenge."