For the first time since 1996, Ball State is hosting the Mid-American Conference Cross-Country Championships.
The women's 6K race starts at noon at the Muncie Elks Country Club.
The team hosted the Ball State Invitational two weekends ago on the same course and came away with a second place finish.
Assistant coach Ali Bishel said she expects to see good competition this weekend.
"We are not going to be up for the defense against teams like Toledo, Miami and Ohio University," Bishel said. "Mainly because their top runner is about a minute ahead of our top runner."
Out of the nine girls running on Saturday, MaryKate Mellen, Madeline Goheen, Courtney Edon, Christine Talhelm and Esther Tirado should lead Ball State in the race.
Mellen has been the team's top runner all season with a season best time of 18:30 in the 5K Greater Louisville Classic. She finished with a time of 22:41 in the 6K Ball State Invitational.
Goheen is also expected to have a record day. Her best time this season came at the Greater Louisville Classic with a time of 18:57.
"I think they are both in great shape and ready to battle everyone at conference," Bishel said.
Edon, while only a freshman, is bringing in top times for her team. She had an identical time to Goheen at the Greater Louisville Classic.
"Courtney doesn't have as much experience yet as the other two girls," Bishel said. "But with her eagerness and her competitive spirit, I think she will be right there with MaryKate and Maddie."
Bishel said the leadership and positive attitude of this year's team comes from Talhelm, the senior captain. In the Ball State Invitational, Talhelm finished with a time of 18:41.
Rounding out the top five for the Cardinals is Tirado. Her season best race was also at the Greater Louisville Classic with a time of 19:07.
With 10 out of 12 runners on the roster returning next season, the team has held strong for its young age. Building up for future years has been one Bishel's goal
all season.
"Knowing they are not going to finish at the back of the conference, I think that just gives them a lot more incentive to really show everyone how hard they have worked this season," Bishel said.
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