NEW ORLEANS—South Dakota women's cross country reentered the U.S. Track and Field & Cross Country Coaches Association's regional rankings on Monday at No. 13 in the Midwest region.
 
South Dakota took fifth in the team race at the Bradley Pink Classic last Friday at the Newman Golf Course in Peoria, Illinois. The four teams ahead of the Coyotes in the field – Nebraska (8), Iowa (9), Bradley (11), South Dakota State (12) – are all ranked in the Midwest as well.
 
Second-year freshman Abrielle Jirele paced USD for the first time of her career, clocking a 6,000-meter personal best of 21:29.4 for 17th place. Third-year sophomore Ella Byers finished just behind in 20th with a personal best of 21:30.8. Freshman Melanie Pankow, fourth-year junior Haley Arens and third-year sophomore Helen Gould rounded out the scorers.
 
This marks the highest the Coyote women have been ranked this season and the third week (Sept. 14, Sept. 20) that the Coyotes have been in the standings during the fall.
 
Championship season is ahead for the Coyotes with the Summit League Championships slated for Oct. 30 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. From there it's on to the NCAA Midwest Regional in Iowa City, Iowa, on Nov. 12.