MADISON, Wis. (October 17, 2025) – No. 18 Northwestern cross country added another chapter to an outstanding 2025 season today, placing fifth overall at the Nuttycombe Invitational in Madison, Wis. The Wildcats' fifth-place showing marks the program's top finish at the prestigious meet, which routinely features one of the deepest fields in collegiate cross country.
Northwestern compiled a team score of 225, edging out No. 22 Georgetown (243 points) by 18 points for a spot in the top five. The top Big Ten Conference team at the meet, the 'Cats defeated 13 teams ranked in the latest United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Coaches' Poll, a group that included six top-15 foes.
For the second time this season, Ava Criniti led the charge for Northwestern. Out of Lexington, Mass., Criniti raced through in 20:21.1 at the Thomas Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course to secure a 23rd-place finish. Just 10 seconds back of Criniti was Holly Smith, who claimed 39th after coming across in 20:31.2.
Jackie Holman battled her way to a spot inside the top 50, finishing in 20:35.4 en route to placing 49th. Ava Earl followed shortly after, taking 54th after posting a time of 20:42.6. Closing out the top five for the 'Cats was Anna Hightower, who checked in 60th at 20:47.7.
With regular season competition now complete, Northwestern will begin its postseason slate on Friday, October 31, at the Big Ten Conference Championships in East Lansing, Mich. Big Ten Network will provide live coverage of the full meet, with the women's 6k championship race set for 10:35 a.m. CT.
Northwestern compiled a team score of 225, edging out No. 22 Georgetown (243 points) by 18 points for a spot in the top five. The top Big Ten Conference team at the meet, the 'Cats defeated 13 teams ranked in the latest United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Coaches' Poll, a group that included six top-15 foes.
For the second time this season, Ava Criniti led the charge for Northwestern. Out of Lexington, Mass., Criniti raced through in 20:21.1 at the Thomas Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course to secure a 23rd-place finish. Just 10 seconds back of Criniti was Holly Smith, who claimed 39th after coming across in 20:31.2.
Jackie Holman battled her way to a spot inside the top 50, finishing in 20:35.4 en route to placing 49th. Ava Earl followed shortly after, taking 54th after posting a time of 20:42.6. Closing out the top five for the 'Cats was Anna Hightower, who checked in 60th at 20:47.7.
With regular season competition now complete, Northwestern will begin its postseason slate on Friday, October 31, at the Big Ten Conference Championships in East Lansing, Mich. Big Ten Network will provide live coverage of the full meet, with the women's 6k championship race set for 10:35 a.m. CT.