WHEELING, W.Va. – The West Virginia Wesleyan women's cross country team turned in a strong performance at the 2025 Mountain East Conference Championships held Saturday at the Crispin Golf Course in Oglebay Resort. The Bobcats placed prominently among a competitive field and produced three All-MEC performers, led by standout sophomore Mariam Al-Zoubi, who paced Wesleyan's squad with a top-15 finish.
Team Results and Championship Overview
The Davis & Elkins Senators claimed the team title, continuing their dominance in MEC women's cross country under Coach of the Year Jason Pyles. The race covered a 6-kilometer course featuring rolling terrain and fast surfaces that set the stage for a quick pace from the start. Point Park's Cassondra O'Connor captured the MEC Runner of the Year honor, clocking a winning time of 22:28.64, while Concord's Violet Wall earned Freshman of the Year recognition after placing ninth overall.
Wesleyan's consistent pack running secured the team a strong mid-table finish and showcased depth across its top five scorers, three of whom earned Second Team All-MEC honors.
Top Performers – West Virginia Wesleyan
- 12th – Mariam Al-Zoubi (24:01.14)
Al-Zoubi was the top finisher for the Lady Bobcats, breaking the 24-minute barrier for much of the race before crossing in 24:01. Her placement earned her a Second Team All-MEC selection.
- 13th – Lindsey Dillon (24:04.68)
Just seconds behind, Dillon also landed on the All-MEC Second Team, marking one of her best conference performances to date.
- 16th – Marimo Akita (24:18.77)
Akita completed the trio of All-MEC honorees for Wesleyan, earning a spot on the Second Team with her 16th-place finish. Her steady pacing in the middle stages helped the Bobcats solidify scoring consistency.
- 32nd – Taylor Hess (25:03.01)
Hess delivered another solid effort for the Orange & Black, crossing as Wesleyan's fourth scorer.
- 35th – Dakota Johnson (25:15.65) and 47th – Sofia Pancoast (25:56.10) rounded out the Bobcats' scoring lineup, each posting competitive times on a challenging conference course.
Also representing WVWC were
Reyna Headley (52nd, 26:33.37),
Jessica Williams (56th, 26:54.66), and
Madison Looker (81st, 31:31.72), completing a deep roster effort for the Bobcats.
MEC Awards Summary
- Runner of the Year: Cassondra O'Connor (Point Park)
- Freshman of the Year: Violet Wall (Concord)
- Coach of the Year: Jason Pyles (Davis & Elkins)
- Team Champion: Davis & Elkins
1st Team All-MEC
Included runners from Point Park, Davis & Elkins, Glenville State, Charleston, Concord, and Fairmont State.
2nd Team All-MEC
Three Lady Bobcats made the cut:
