Iowa women’s cross-country runner Marieke Schrulle took second place at the Big Ten championships on Sunday with a time of 20:17. Schrulle finished behind Michigan State’s Sarah Kroll, who crossed the finish line just four seconds before her.

The Hawkeyes took 10th place at the conference championships with junior Megan Ranegar taking 50th place (21:19) and senior Nicole Benson right behind (21:19). Kelsey Hart took the 54th position (21:35), and she was followed by the three Iowa freshman that have been thrust into the lineup.

Cindy Saliba finished 71st with a time of 22:06, Lisa Gordon came in five runners later, in 76th place (22:21), and Courtney Martin wound up the meet for the Hawkeyes finishing in 77th place (22:27).

The team was without an injured Kayla Beattie, who had the best finishes for the Hawkeyes in early season meets. Anderson said Ranegar has also been battling illnesses.

It remains to be seen if Schrulle will get the opportunity to run in the NCAA Midwest Regional as well as the NCAA championships but her high finish at the Big Ten championships will probably improve her chances.