St. Lawrence sophomore Avery Blanchard is championship bound after earning an individual berth to the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship with a top 25 finish at the NCAA Mideast Regional.

"We are so proud of Avery for securing her second consecutive individual qualifying spot for the NCAA Championships next weekend," said Saints head coach Kate Howard. "Avery put herself in contention from the start yesterday and ran her best race of the season when it counted the most, she is showing terrific form in the championship season and is carrying great momentum into next weekend."

Blanchard placed 21st in 22:37.1, the highest regional finish of her career. She stayed composed through the early stages of the race, navigated a crowded field, and held her position over the final miles to secure one of the region's individual qualifying spots. Her performance anchored the Saints' lineup and highlighted a strong step forward in her development.

"Avery gained valuable experience at the NCAA Championships last year in Terre Haute and we know she will once again represent our team well on the biggest stage," Howard continued. "We look forward to having Avery join Nick and Patrick from the men's team for a terrific championship for Saints cross country."

She had her first appearance at NCAAs in her first-year season last year. She crossed the line at that race in 23:02.2, and will look to better her time in her second crack at a national title.

Blanchard will now represent the Saints at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship on Saturday, November 22 in Spartanburg, S.C. at the Roger Milliken Cross Country Course.