Freshman women's cross country standout Courtney O'Hara stepped up when it was needed most -- and as usual the Gateway High alum helped her team achieve amazing results.

Such was the case Saturday when the Roadrunner women's squad competed in the NJCAA Division III Cross Country Championships in Humtsville, AL.

O'Hara stuck to her game plan of being aggressive on the fast-paced course, and it paid off with a 13th place overall finish in 20:49.40, one that earned her All-American honors. O'Hara's leadership helped the Region 19 champion Lady Runners to a fifth place showing in the team standings.

"I kept with the leaders for a good stretch but the pace was too fast throughout the race," said O'Hara. "But I stuck with the game plan, and I'm happy with my finish."

O'Hara was supported by teammates Mackenzie Cochran (32nd), Alexandra Campo (39th), Madison O'Donnell (48th) and Susana Serrano (68th).

"I'm so proud of everyone on this team," said O'Hara. "We had a goal of reaching the top five and everyone worked hard to make it happen."

In the Men's championship race, sophomore Anas Bensaoud ran to a 12th place showing in 27:16.6 to earn All-American honors, helping the Runners' to an eighth place team showing with 222 points.

Bensaound, the Region 19 champion, concluded a solid 2023 season with his fastest time of the season in an 8 K race. He was followed by teammates Gavin Casella (46th), John Schilling (56th), Branden Lachowicz (63rd) and Charlie Hepler (74th).

Harper College captured both team championships in the men's and women's competition.