WAVERLY— Putting a trio of runners into the top-20, the Central College women's cross country team finished fourth at the NCAA Division III Lower Midwest Regional Saturday.
           
Washington University of St. Louis (Mo.) won the team championship with 42 points. Lucinda Laughlin of Washington was the top individual, completing the 6,000-meter course in 21 minutes, 29.7 seconds.
           
Senior Peyton Steffen (Marion) was the first Dutch runner across the line in 21:51.2 to place sixth overall. Freshman Maddy Stevens (Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes HS) was 14th (22:18.9) and Teah Miller (junior, Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden HS) was 19th (22:30.0). All three will merit all-region status.
           
Freshmen Kyra Cordes (Marion) and Addie Doughan (Clear Lake) were 42nd (23:32.4) and 55th (23:48.1), respectively to complete the scoring portion of the Central lineup
           
Also in Central's seven-runner varsity lineup were Breckyn Petersen (freshman, Glenwood) in 62nd (23:54.2) and Leah Bontrager senior, Wellman, Hillcrest Academy) in 80th (24:09.7)
           
The NCAA Division III Championships are set for next Saturday in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Steffen is guaranteed at least an individual spot by finishing in the top seven. Central could be one of 22 teams chosen for at-large selection or Steves and Miller might make the cut as individuals. Final selections will be announced Sunday.