Probably proving that nothing worth having comes easily, top-ranked Stanford lived up to its billing over a muddy course November 20 to win the Division I Women’s Cross Country Championships team title for the second straight year.

The Cardinal, led by junior Arianna Lambie’s third-place finish among scoring runners and fourth-place finish overall, overcame a spirited challenge from Colorado to post a 28-point victory and claim its third title in four years.

It was Stanford’s second victory under coach Peter Tegen, who was honored before the championships when the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association named its annual national women’s coach-of-the-year award in his honor. Fittingly enough, Tegen — who also won two titles at Wisconsin before moving to Stanford last year — then became the first recipient of the Tegen Award.

"I’m thrilled that the women could capture the championship for the second time," he said. "It’s more difficult to repeat than to win the championship in the first place, and it wasn’t easy for us today."

Indeed, Stanford found itself mired not only in mud but also in a large chase pack until Lambie was able to break away for a run at the lead at the halfway mark of the 6-kilometer race.

Meanwhile, her teammates jockeyed for position in the pack, with all five scorers managing to finish the race in less than 22 minutes. A nearly 45-second gap between Stanford’s fifth scorer, Katy Trotter, and Colorado’s fifth scorer proved decisive.

"I’ve never felt so connected to the team and so proud of these girls," said Lambie, whose own aggressive move toward the front faded in the home stretch as she was passed by Colorado sophomore Jenny Barringer. "To be establishing a legacy, winning two championships in a row, is something few teams have done and Stanford (women’s cross country) has never done until this point."

Stanford becomes the fifth school to win consecutive titles during the 26-year history of the championship, and its four team titles since 1996 ties Brigham Young for second place in total championships. Villanova has won seven titles, including six straight victories beginning in 1989.

In individual competition, Stanford’s Lambie likely was chasing an uncatchable foe, as Texas Tech sophomore Sally Kipyego built a 24-second lead at the midway point and eventually crossed the finish line 26 seconds ahead of Colorado’s Barringer, with a time of 20 minutes, 11.1 second. However, the mud clearly was a factor on a course where nine runners — including Lambie — posted times below 20 minutes a year ago.

With her victory, Kipyego became Texas Tech’s first cross country champion.

Yale’s Lindsay Donaldson was the race’s top finisher who wasn’t affiliated with a team, as she also squeezed past Lambie in the home stretch to place third.

1. Sally Kipyego, Texas Tech, 20:11.1; 2. Jenny Barringer, Colorado, 20:37.9; 3. Lindsay Donaldson, Yale, 20:42.7; 4. Arianna Lambie, Stanford, 20:43.8; 5. Julia Lucas, North Carolina St., 20:47.1; 6. Kassi Andersen, Brigham Young, 20:53.8; 7. Aine Hoban, Providence, 21:04.3; 8. Diane Nukuri, Iowa, 21:05.7; 9. Irene Kimaiyo, Texas Tech, 21:06.3; 10. Alissa McKaig, Michigan St., 21:06.7.

Team results

1. Stanford, 195; 2. Colorado, 223; 3. Michigan, 233; 4. Wisconsin, 262; 5. Arkansas, 286; 6. Texas Tech, 300; 7. Providence, 301; 8. Illinois, 304; 9. UC Santa Barb., 318; 10. Duke, 320; 11. Minnesota, 335; 12. Michigan St., 358; 13. Arizona St., 375; 14. Virginia, 383; 15. Georgia, 401; 16. Georgetown, 403; 17. Iowa, 409; 18. Virginia Tech, 417; 19. North Carolina St., 427; 20. Iona, 431; 21. Florida St., 436; 22. Brigham Young, 448; 23. Princeton, 454; 24. Colorado St., 475; 25. Weber St., 488; 26. Florida, 536; 27. Wake Forest, 554; 28. Tennessee, 565; 29. Baylor, 631; 30. Boston College, 661; 31. North Carolina, 755.

Individual results

1. Sally Kipyego, Texas Tech, 20:11.1; 2. Jenny Barringer, Colorado, 20:37.9; 3. Lindsay Donaldson, Yale, 20:42.7; 4. Arianna Lambie, Stanford, 20:43.8; 5. Julia Lucas, North Carolina St., 20:47.1; 6. Kassi Andersen, Brigham Young, 20:53.8; 7. Aine Hoban, Providence, 21:04.3; 8. Diane Nukuri, Iowa, 21:05.7; 9. Irene Kimaiyo, Texas Tech, 21:06.3; 10. Alissa McKaig, Michigan St., 21:06.7.

11. Julia Viellehner, Coastal Caro., 21:06.8; 12. Nicole Edwards, Michigan, 21:07.2; 13. Hanna Grinaker, Wisconsin, 21:07.3; 14. Emily McCabe, Duke, 21:08.2; 15. Michelle Sikes, Wake Forest, 21:09.2; 16. Liza Pasciuto, Colorado, 21:09.7; 17. Maddie McKeever, Duke, 21:09.8; 18. Jessica Eldridge, Oklahoma, 21:12.5; 19. Ladia Albertson-Junka, Minnesota, 21:12.9; 20. Emily Harrison, Virginia, 21:13.8.

21. McKayla Plank, Iona, 21:14.2; 22. Brianna Felnagle, North Carolina, 21:15.0; 23. Katrina Rundhaug, Wisconsin, 21:15.1; 24. Jillian Sullivan, Connecticut, 21:16.0; 25. Kara Scanlin, Virginia, 21:16.4; 26. Bona Jones, North Carolina St., 21:17.0; 27. Susan Kuijken, Florida St., 21:17.1; 28. Angela Bizzarri, Illinois, 21:17.2; 29. Emily Brown, Minnesota, 21:17.6; 30. Racheal Marchand, Iowa, 21:18.1.

31. Teresa McWalters, Stanford, 21:18.2; 32. Lauren Christman, UC Santa Barb., 21:22.0; 33. Michelle Rafferty, Michigan St., 21:23.1; 34. Alex Becker, Tulsa, 21:24.0; 35. Rachael Forish, SMU, 21:24.5; 36. Lisa Koll, Iowa St., 21:28.8; 37. Brooke Upshaw, Arkansas, 21:29.3; 38. Mallory Champa, Boston College, 21:30.3; 39. Melissa Grelli, Georgetown, 21:30.6; 40. Cassie Hunt, Illinois, 21:30.9.

41. Laura Rolf, Valparaiso, 21:32.0; 42. April Thomas, Colorado St., 21:33.0; 43. Meghan Armstrong, Iowa, 21:33.3; 44. Elizabeth Maloy, Georgetown, 21:34.0; 45. Toni Salucci, Cornell, 21:34.4; 46. Aislinn Ryan, Colorado, 21:35.0; 47. Stephanie Rothstein, UC Santa Barb., 21:36.0; 48. Claire Maduza, Colorado, 21:37.8; 49. Alyson Kohlmeier, Michigan, 21:38.2; 50. Laura Mickelson, Loyola Marymount, 21:38.7.

51. Erin Webster, Michigan, 21:40.1; 52. Salome Kosgei, Iona, 21:40.6; 53. A’Havahla Haynes, Wisconsin, 21:40.8; 54. Erin Franklin, Wake Forest, 21:41.5; 55. Amy Lia, Washington, 21:42.6; 56. Lindsay Flacks, Stanford, 21:43.1; 57. Violet Chemakwila, Texas Tech, 21:43.9; 58. Dacia Barr, Arkansas, 21:44.0; 59. Natalie Picchetti, Georgia, 21:44.1; 60. Jenna Kingma, Arizona St., 21:44.4.

61. Arianne Field, Michigan, 21:44.9; 62. Lindsey Anderson, Weber St., 21:45.4; 63. Stephanie Baliga, Illinois, 21:45.8; 64. Dani Parry, Arkansas, 21:47.0; 65. Amy Fowler, Brigham Young, 21:47.8; 66. Katie Read, Virginia, 21:49.2; 67. Megan Lewis, UC Santa Barb., 21:50.3; 68. Ali Kielty, Arizona St., 21:51.3; 69. Diana Chelimo, Oral Roberts, 21:51.8; 70. Amanda Trotter, Stanford, 21:52.0.

71. Jacy Kruzel, Florida, 21:52.5; 72. Rachel Papin, La Salle, 21:52.6; 73. Alicia Valtin, Campbell, 21:53.0; 74. Stephanie Simms, Illinois, 21:53.2; 75. Merideth Snow, Texas A&M, 21:53.5; 76. Lanni Marchant, Chattanooga, 21:54.4; 77. Tasmin Fanning, Virginia Tech, 21:55.0; 78. Katy Trotter, Stanford, 21:55.0; 79. Laura Stanley, Duke, 21:55.4; 80. Krystal Douglas, Providence, 21:55.5.

81. Jolee Vanleuven, Princeton, 21:56.5; 82. Nichole Jones, Baylor, 21:57.1; 83. Laura Olvera, UC Irvine, 21:57.4; 84. Jessica Gall, Indiana, 21:58.0; 85. Emmily Chelenga, Iona, 22:00.8; 86. Denise Bargiachi, Arkansas, 22:02.0; 87. Frances Koons, Villanova, 22:02.1; 88. Kari Hardt, Arizona St., 22:03.5; 89. Anita Campbell, Washington, 22:04.4; 90. Fiona Gentles, Virginia Tech, 22:05.0.

91. Nicole Gueldemeister, Northern Ariz., 22:05.5; 92. Jill Steffens, Georgia, 22:05.5; 93. Breffini Twohig, Providence, 22:05.8; 94. Leanna Nastase, Bucknell, 22:06.4; 95. Sarah Madebach, Georgia, 22:06.9; 96. Katie Dicamillo, Providence, 22:07.3; 97. Sarah Bowman, Tennessee, 22:08.1; 98. Lindsay Christman, UC Santa Barb., 22:08.2; 99. Allie Brosh, Montana, 22:08.3; 100. Mia Swenson, Princeton, 22:08.4.

101. Nicole Bush, Michigan St., 22:09.0; 102. Cassie Rios, Arizona St., 22:09.2; 103. Christy Johnson, Princeton, 22:10.1; 104. Lindsay Hattendorf, Indiana, 22:10.6; 105. Sarah Hurley, Wisconsin, 22:11.1; 106. Tarah McKay, Louisville, 22:11.6; 107. Dena Spickard, James Madison, 22:11.7; 108. Elizabeth Yetzer, Minnesota, 22:11.8; 109. Amber Duffin, Brigham Young, 22:12.2; 110. Jennie Funk, Georgetown, 22:12.6.

111. Catherine Parker, New Hampshire, 22:13.1; 112. Meghan Owen, Providence, 22:13.9; 113. Katie Van Horn, Tennessee, 22:14.6; 114. Katja Rosenplaenter, Northern Ariz., 22:15.3; 115. Timmie Murphy, New Mexico, 22:16.4; 116. Danette Doetzel, Providence, 22:16.9; 117. Christine Kalmer, Arkansas, 22:16.9; 118. Debbie Huss, Florida St., 22:17.1; 119. Jamie Geissler, Florida, 22:17.5; 120. Jodi Hulett, Texas-Arlington, 22:18.3.

121. Jess Fanning, Virginia Tech, 22:19.2; 122. Claire Otwell, Michigan, 22:19.2; 123. Marisa Ryan, Boston U., 22:19.8; 124. Nicole Feest, Colorado St., 22:20.3; 125. Kelly Clark, Virginia Tech, 22:20.7; 126. Renee Graham, Lamar, 22:20.7; 127. Gabrielle Anderson, Minnesota, 22:21.1; 128. Morgan Haws, Weber St., 22:21.2; 129. Maggie Infeld, Georgetown, 22:21.8; 130. Kate Van Buskirk, Duke, 22:22.7.

131. Amy Kelly, North Carolina St., 22:23.2; 132. Laura Bowerman, Florida St., 22:23.4; 133. Natalie Sherbak, Virginia Tech, 22:23.6; 134. Miranda Walker, Arkansas, 22:24.7; 135. Kristin Heffelfinger, Georgia, 22:25.0; 136. Catha Mullen, Princeton, 22:25.5; 137. Katie Kelly, Michigan St., 22:26.1; 138. Kiah Vernon, Georgia, 22:26.7; 139. Ashley Benson, Wisconsin, 22:26.8; 140. Heidi Bouwhuis, Weber St., 22:27.5.

141. Barbara Parker, Florida St., 22:27.6; 142. Sunni Olding, Notre Dame, 22:27.8; 143. Lyndsy Bedell, Baylor, 22:29.3; 144. Gladys Kipsang, Texas Tech, 22:29.6; 145. Danielle Korb, Colorado St., 22:29.7; 146. Kirsten Anthony, Colorado St., 22:29.8; 147. Jamie Stubbs, Weber St., 22:30.5; 148. Jessica Crate, Florida St., 22:30.6; 149. Alicia Follmar, Stanford, 22:31.0; 150. Jamie Cheever, Minnesota, 22:31.4.

151. Amy Huss, Florida St., 22:31.6; 152. Sariah Long, Weber St., 22:31.9; 153. Bethany Nickless, UC Santa Barb., 22:31.9; 154. Brooke Bennett, Arizona St., 22:32.1; 155. Kathryn Kramer, Florida, 22:32.7; 156. Kristen Hemphill, Colorado St., 22:33.0; 157. Amy Laskowske, Minnesota, 22:33.4; 158. Katie Flaute, Tennessee, 22:34.1; 159. Julia Hicks, Alabama, 22:34.9; 160. Krystal Duke, Arizona St., 22:35.5.

161. Jackie Areson, Tennessee, 22:35.6; 162. Liz Costello, Princeton, 22:36.0; 163. Kristen Johnson, Florida, 22:36.5; 164. Monique Ortega, Baylor, 22:36.8; 165. Erin Marston, Colorado, 22:38.9; 166. Eleanor Pishny, Duke, 22:38.9; 167. Angelina Blackmon, North Carolina St., 22:39.5; 168. Asia Diaz, Texas Tech, 22:39.7; 169. Maggie Carroll, Illinois, 22:39.8; 170. Leeann Nawrocki, Florida, 22:40.1.

171. Sarah Price, Michigan St., 22:40.6; 172. Lauren Centrowitz, Stanford, 22:41.3; 173. Bridget Franek, Penn St., 22:41.8; 174. Nicola Tufts, Boston College, 22:42.2; 175. Laura Hodges, Virginia, 22:42.3; 176. Lindsay Sundell, Florida, 22:44.6; 177. Anne Heiner, Brigham Young, 22:46.0; 178. Caitlin Chrisman, Wake Forest, 22:47.3; 179. Devin Gapstur, Florida, 22:48.5; 180. Abi Wilshire, Florida St., 22:48.6.

181. Nichole Lister, Boston College, 22:49.0; 182. Alexa Glencer, Princeton, 22:49.3; 183. Michelle Gallagher, Iona, 22:49.4; 184. Stacy Kim, Penn, 22:50.6; 185. Heather Dorniden, Minnesota, 22:50.6; 186. Lauretta Dezubay, Virginia, 22:51.2; 187. Danielle Domenichelli, UC Santa Barb., 22:52.5; 188. Felicia Guliford, Tennessee, 22:53.1; 189. Shannon Phelan, Illinois, 22:54.1; 190. Natasha Labeaud, Georgetown, 22:55.1.

191. Laura Glynn, Michigan, 22:55.4; 192. Treacy Williams, Iona, 22:55.9; 193. Rachel Hernandez, Illinois, 22:56.0; 194. Lauren Hagans, Baylor, 22:56.0; 195. Maggie Hippman, Wisconsin, 22:57.5; 196. Allie Kieffer, Wake Forest, 22:58.8; 197. Brielle Chabot, Boston College, 22:59.0; 198. Emily Post, Wisconsin, 23:01.6; 199. Cassie King, North Carolina, 23:01.9; 200. Whitney McDonald, Brigham Young, 23:03.9.

201. Hadas Moser, UC Santa Barb., 23:05.1; 202. Jessica Schmidt, Iowa, 23:05.8; 203. Renae Van Wyhe, Baylor, 23:06.0; 204. Natasha Roetter, Duke, 23:08.7; 205. Anne Wheatly, North Carolina St., 23:09.9; 206. Jenna Jensen, Brigham Young, 23:11.8; 207. Ruth Waller, Baylor, 23:18.3; 208. Eileen Creutz, Michigan, 23:18.8; 209. Hillary Bontz, Georgetown, 23:19.8; 210. Cassie Ricks, Weber St., 23:20.4.

211. Jolly Burke, Iowa, 23:20.8; 212. Corey Randall, Arizona St., 23:22.4; 213. Lauren Simeson, Iona, 23:23.8; 214. Emily Hanenburg, Colorado, 23:24.9; 215. Kelly Vrshek, Arkansas, 23:25.3; 216. Kara McKenna, North Carolina St., 23:25.6; 217. Shelley Forbes, Duke, 23:27.4; 218. Megan Kaltenbach, North Carolina, 23:27.4; 219. Heather Loseke, Colorado St., 23:28.2; 220. Jessica Driscoll, Boston College, 23:28.5.

221. Jennifer McPherson, Mississippi St., 23:32.3; 222. Joanna Rodgers, Georgetown, 23:33.6; 223. Hilary McClendon, Colorado, 23:34.2; 224. Diane Hamilton, Michigan St., 23:34.4; 225. Krista Anderson, Iowa, 23:35.1; 226. Brittany Tinsley, North Carolina St., 23:36.3; 227. Janine Ricci, Virginia, 23:36.8; 228. Lesley Dalton, Weber St., 23:40.1; 229. Nicole Demarco, Georgia, 23:40.8; 230. Sara Casscells, Virginia, 23:44.9.

231. Merry Placer, Wake Forest, 23:46.2; 232. Addie Bracy, North Carolina, 23:48.1; 233. Emily Hoffman, North Carolina, 23:50.6; 234. Jessica Flinn, Boston College, 23:55.2; 235. Breanne Sandberg, Brigham Young, 23:58.4; 236. Alyssa Giuliani, Iona, 23:59.2; 237. Kelly Polisin, Wake Forest, 24:00.0; 238. Leah Soro, Tennessee, 24:00.9; 239. Caroline Mullen, Princeton, 24:03.3; 240. Ashley Velez, Colorado St., 24:03.7.

241. Jessica Stovall, Texas Tech, 24:04.5; 242. Morgan Stengel, North Carolina, 24:04.6; 243. Laura Cummings, North Carolina, 24:07.2; 244. Brittany McGuire, Baylor, 24:08.5; 245. Rebekah Madebach, Georgia, 24:18.3; 246. Erin Reddan, Virginia Tech, 24:25.1; 247. Molly Esche, Iowa, 24:25.9; 248. Katherine Herring, Samford, 24:29.0; 249. Nelle Trefz, Providence, 24:30.2; 250. Lisa MacPherson, Virginia Tech, 24:33.5.

251. Lynn Kubeja, Boston College, 24:38.8; 252. Leah Elenbaas, Michigan St., 24:58.1; 253. Michelle Edman, Texas Tech, 25:48.9.