ROCK HILL, S.C. — The High Point University women's cross country team raced to its best finish ever at the NCAA Southeast Regionals on Winthrop University's campus Friday morning in Rock Hill, S.C. Charli Montalvo led the Panthers with an impressive 22nd-place finish overall, helping the Big South Conference champions secure a 10th-place finish of 34 teams to conclude the 2024 season.

Head Coach Remy Tamer: "I am proud to say that we were able to do something an HPU women's cross country team has never done before, but we know we left some on the table. It's a bittersweet feeling. There were some strong individual performances that propelled us forward, but overall, we were out of position in a few key spots, and that ultimately led to us missing an opportunity to be 8th or 9th. The Southeast Region is one of the best regions in the country, so you can't afford to make too many mistakes. Still, these ladies raced with pride for their team and love for each other, and sometimes that's something to be proud of."

Montalvo was High Point's top finisher for the third time this season, crossing the line in 22nd place with a time of 21:17.6 to earn All-Southeast Region honors. This performance marks her fifth straight meet, finishing in the top 25 as she becomes the first Panther receive All-Region since Famke Heinst (10th place) in 2019.

Brianna Malone followed closely behind Montalvo, remaining with the front pack for most of the race. She finished in 35th place overall with a time of 21:29.4. Alyssa Hendrix was the third Panther to finish, completing the 5k in 22:04.0. She stayed with her group and remained within the top 50 for most of the race but ultimately crossed the line in 67th place overall.

Alice Jones was the next Panther to finish, clocking a time of 22:13.4. She stayed within the top 75 throughout the first half of the race and finished strong to secure 76th place overall. High Point had five runners in the top 80.

Danielle Jensen finished shortly after Jones with a time of 22:16.4. The freshman stayed with Jones through the first 2k but broke off after the 4k, ultimately finishing in 81st place overall.

Reese Bradbury was the next Panther to finish, recording a time of 24:25.7 and just missing the top 200 with a 201st-place finish overall. Mikayla Moxley followed closely behind, crossing the line at 24:44.8 to round out the Panthers' lineup.