BUFFALO, N.Y. – Junior Karina James tallied a first-place finish to help Toledo wins its fifth-consecutive Mid-American Conference Women's Cross Country Championship in Buffalo, N.Y. on Saturday.

This marks the 11th conference championship for the Rockets, the most in league history by any school.

Toledo dominated the race, capturing five of the top 15 positions in the race for 32 points. Ohio came in second with 62 points.

James crossed the finish line with a final time of 20:28.8 to become the eighth Rocket to win an individual crown. She is the second in the past two years after Mercy Kinyanjui took the individual title in 2024.

Melody Jebiwot followed behind James, placing fourth with a mark of 20:48.7 while Dorcas Jeptoo Kiptanui placed fifth (20:55.5) in her first competition for Toledo. Lianna Surtz (seventh/20:55.5) and Hannah Ielfield (15^th/21:16.8) rounded out the scoring for UT.

James, Jebiwot, Jeptoo Kiptanui and Surtz all earned First Team All-MAC honors. This is the first time all four Rockets have brought home First Team accolades and second consecutive season that Jebiwot and Surtz have earned All-MAC honors.

Head Coach Andrea Grove-McDonough was named the MAC Coach of the Year for the fifth consecutive season. She is tied for the most in program history with Kevin Hadsell (2001, 2002, 2010-12).

Quoting Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Andrea Grove-McDonough
"The men's championship took a lot off pressure of the women and really opened the door for them to run loose. The women's team withstood its biggest challenge yet with two of the best MAC teams we've gone up against in years. We've been running loose and fearless all fall and we had that on full display out there today.

"There was something that felt inevitable about this today. The calm and the confidence this team had on the start line was amazing. They just know how to win.

"Karina's story is remarkable. From not making our top seven runners last year and not cracking the top 20 at this meet to being the champion. That's special.

Up Next
Toledo will continue its championship portion at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional at Evansville, Ind. on Nov. 14. 

2025 MAC Women's Cross Country Championship
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
Audubon Golf Course | Buffalo, N.Y.

Team Results
1. Toledo – 32 points
2. Ohio – 62 points
3. Bowling Green – 67 points
4. Central Michigan – 164 points
5. Miami – 171 points
6. Western Michigan – 174 points
7. UMass – 187 points
8. Buffalo – 207 points
9. Akron – 226 points
10. Eastern Michigan – 296 points
11. Ball State – 298 points
12. Kent State – 325 points
13. Northern Illinois – 338 points

Toledo Individual Results
1. Karina James – 20:28.8
4. Melody Jebiwot – 20:48.7
5. Dorcas Jeptoo Kiptanui – 20:55.5
7. Lianna Surtz – 20:58.6
15. Hannah Ielfield – 21:16.8
16. Bailey Ranta – 21:18.6
20. Lily DiCola – 21:22.8
22. Alex Bauer – 21:27.7
25. Jordyn Bartolomucci – 21:29.3
34. Winny Kosgei – 21:49.4

2025 MAC Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year – Andrea Grove-McDonough, Toledo
2025 MAC Men's Freshman Runner of the Year – Mercy Jebitok, Akron

First Team All-MAC
Karina James, Toledo
Mercy Jebitok, Akron
Kylee Cubbison, Bowling Green
Melody Jebiwot, Toledo
Dorcas Jeptoo Kiptanui, Toledo
Lianna Surtz, Toledo

Second Team All-MAC
Leila Boussedra, Ohio
Allie Martin, Ohio
Megan Hipple, Akron
Rachael Withrow, Bowling Green
Kyah Hoffman, Central Michigan
Lexi Panning, Bowling Green
Marisa Heil, Miami