NEW ORLEANS - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association recently released its week one cross country regional rankings with the Bradley women's team cracking the Midwest top-15 at No. 13.

"We are pleased to see some recognition of our women's team," said head coach David Beauchem. "As we get into October, I expect that we will continue to perform at a level that will see us climb higher through the regional rankings."

After three races, Bradley has 10 top-10 finishers and one team win. Redshirt-freshman Nicole Benson (Peoria, Ill./Limestone H.S.) opened the season with a first place finish in her first collegiate race at the Western Illinois Early Bird Invitational Sept. 4. The Braves placed five runners in the top-10 at the Early Bird Invite and earned their first team victory since 2006.

Senior Katie Nowak (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake H.S.) followed Benson's performance with her first meet victory and set a 5K personal best time at the 24th annual Bradley Open Sept. 11. Benson, Nowak and junior Mary Goldkamp (Florissant, Mo./McCluer North H.S.) each finished in the top-10 at the Missouri State Cross Country Classic Sept. 19.

In addition to winning races, Benson and Nowak garnered Missouri Valley Conference women's cross country athlete of the week honors in back-to-back weeks, while Nowak also received Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Student-Athlete of the Week recognition.

The Braves return to action Saturday, Oct. 10 at SIU-Edwardsville.