TOLEDO, Ohio -- Sophomore Ashley Tutt (Channahon, Ill./Minooka) claimed eighth and sophomore Mackenzie Callahan (Minooka, Ill./Minooka) finished 11th, each earning second team all-conference honors, as the Northern Illinois University cross country team earned a fourth-place finish at the Mid-American Conference Championship at Ottawa Park Golf Course. Eastern Michigan claimed the team championship for the fourth consecutive season. 

"We were preseason number four and finished fourth, this might be the first time the (preseason) poll was right on us," said NIU head coach Adrian Myers. "Ashley (Tutt) ran a tough race out front with the big dogs and Mackenzie (Callahan) wasn't too far back as the two youngest of the All-MAC finishers."

For the second consecutive season, Tutt was the top-finishing Huskie, crossing the line in a time of 21:08.9 to take eighth. Tutt was just 10 second away from earning a top-six finish. 

Callahan was the second Huskie across the line, finishing three seconds outside the top-10, taking 11th in a time of 21:30.0. 

Sophomore Daly Galloway (Dwight, Ill./Dwight) was NIU's third finisher, earning 27th place with a time of 22:06.9. Galloway placed 59 spots higher than she did at last season's MAC Championship. 

"Daly (Galloway) ran the best race of her collegiate career and keeps getting better every week," said Myers. "I'm especially proud of her because of what she went through last year with injuries, to show she belongs and will continue to get better."

Three other Huskies earned top-50 places as junior Vivian Overbeck (Vernon Hills, Ill./Vernon Hills) took 36th in 22:22.1, freshman Hannah Ricci (Naperville, Ill./Naperville North) finished 47th with a time of 22:34.1 and sophomore Sara Atkins (Warrenville, Ill./Wheaton Warrenville South) claimed 49th, crossing the line in 22:35.1. 
 
Eastern Michigan won the title with 76 points, just four points ahead of host Toledo. Natalie Cizmas of EMU earned the individual crown with a time of 20:34.9. Miami finished third with 97 points.

"Toledo and Miami just have more depth than we do and Eastern Michigan ran lights out," said Myers. "We ran very strong today with a very young squad, but this meet was the deepest it's maybe ever been today. I'm proud of how we competed and we know what we need to get over the hump.

"I'm looking forward to hosting this meet in DeKalb next year. (Ashley) Tutt and Mackenzie (Callahan) will be the second and third top returners in 2019 at this meet. That goes to show the age and depth of this meet right now, but 2019 could really shake up this meet with so many of the top athletes graduating. 

"The challenges at the top that our athletes are facing early in their careers will only make them that much more prepared and seasoned for the years ahead. I'm proud of them, their performances and leadership on the course, week in and week out."

The Huskies will be back in action on Friday, November 9, when they travel to Peoria, Ill., for the NCAA Midwest Regional Championship, hosted by Bradley. 

Team Standings
1. Eastern Michigan, 76
2. Toledo, 80
3. Miami, 97
4. NIU, 127
5. Western Michigan, 136
6. Central Michigan, 142
7. Bowling Green, 155
8. Akron, 171
9. Ohio, 208
10. Kent State, 233
11. Ball State, 305
12. Buffalo, 335

NIU Individual Standings
8. Ashley Tutt, 21:08.9
11. Mackenzie Callahan, 21:31.0
27. Daly Galloway, 22:06.9
36. Vivian Overbeck, 22:22.1
47. Hannah Ricci, 22:34.1
49. Sara Atkins, 22:35.1
70. Mercer Mack, 22:58.9
81. Nora Finegan, 23:17.0
100. Melissa Ricci, 23:50.1