FAIRMONT, W.Va. - Point Park University captured the2026 MEC Women’s Cross Country Championship on Saturday at the Bethany College Soccer and Equestrian Complex in Bethany, West Virginia, earning the first MEC championship in program history.

The Pioneers secured the team title with 44 points, led by redshirt junior Cassondra O’Connor, who finished third in 22:15.8. Redshirt sophomore Anna Babinyecz followed in fourth place with a time of 22:28.9.

Glenville State senior Natalie Barr captured the individual championship with a time of 21:52.3 and was named the 2026 MEC Women’s Runner of the Year.

Charleston freshman Joyleen Korir earned MEC Women’s Freshman of the Year honors after finishing second overall in 22:08.6.

West Virginia Wesleyan junior Lindsey Dillon rounded out the top-five, finishing with a season best time of 22:34.4. 

The top 10 finishers earned All-MEC First Team honors, while runners finishing 11th through 20th received Second Team recognition.

Point Park head coach Tim Creamer was named the 2026 MEC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year.

First Team All-MEC
Natalie Barr, Glenville State 
Joyleen Korir, Charleston
Cassondra O’Connor, Point Park
Anna Babinyecz, Point Park
Lindsey Dillon, West Virginia Wesleyan 
Megan Mitchell, Fairmont State 
Zoe Belshan, Davis & Elkins
Amanda Ferrante, Charleston
Mariam Al-Zoubi, West Virginia Wesleyan 
Adalyn Cantrell, Davis & Elkins 

Second Team All-MEC
Aubrey Smith, Point Park 
Ruby Ostrander, Point Park 
Abby Dixon, Glenville State 
Paige McMahon, Point Park 
Jessica Elick, Shawnee State 
Violet Wall, Concord
Zabine von Westernhagen, Point Park 
Isabella Baker, Davis & Elkins 
Payton McQuirt, Shawnee State 
Abbey Bolton, Charleston  

Team Champion: Point Park University
Runner of the Year: Natalie Barr, Glenville State 
Freshman of the Year: Joyleen Korir, Charleston 
Coach of the Year: Tim Creamer, Point Park