Results

In her first competition of 2022, Mia Beckham cruised to a 16-second victory at the Redbird Invitational Friday in Normal, Ill.

Beckham covered the 6k course in a time of 21:16.5.

The event, hosted by Illinois State, was run on the Weibring Golf Club.
 
THE RUNDOWN:
 
1. Mia Beckham, 21:16.5
3. Abby Olson, 21:33.9
4. Laure Bertrand, 21:37.9
7. Katherine Olsen, 21:54.9
12. Lexi Affolter, 22:18.7
14. Morgan Werner, 22:21.2
23. Abby Fostveit, 22:55.5
25. Morgan Walsh, 23:03.5
31. Elsa Rusthoven, 23:23.6
36. Ashley Learn, 23:35.8
37. Ashlyn Minton, 23:35.8
58. Renate Toldo, 24:58.5
 
THE TEAM: Butler placed its scoring five within the top 12 spots, posting a team score of 27. Wartburg was second (40), followed by host Illinois State (65). There were nine teams in the field.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED: Beckham crossed the line 16 seconds ahead of the next competitor – Aubrie Fisher of Wartburg. The Bulldogs took three of the top four, four of the top seven, and five of the top 12 spots in the finishing order.
 
Beckham broke away from the lead pack after the opening 3k of the race. At the 5k mark, she was 12 seconds ahead of Olson and Bertrand, who were now pacing the chase pack.
 
QUOTABLE: "Overall it was a strong run for our women tonight. We are a bit rusty and it showed in some spots but that's what this race was about: kicking the rust loose. To win convincingly over a field of Division I programs and arguably the best Division III team in the country was encouraging. We got good information on what we need to work on, and our group is excited about continuing to hone their racing skills." – Coach Matt Roe
 
OF NOTE:

• The Bulldogs continue to receive votes in the national coaches poll.
• The golf course hosted the Redbird Fall Invitational earlier this week, an event won by Butler's women's golf team.
• Beckham, Bertrand and Olsen made their respective 2022 debuts in this event.
• Butler is 2-for-2 so far this season in taking both individual and team titles. Abby Olson won the season-opening Rose-Hulman Twilight Sept. 1.
• Wartburg is currently No. 2 in the Division III national poll after finishing fourth at the NCAA Division III Championships in 2021.

UP NEXT: The Butler women next compete Friday, Sept. 30 at the Joe Piane Invitational, hosted by Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.