Jessica Pixler leads SPU Falcons into NCAA D-II harrier championships...

Seattle Pacific University, led by NCAA West Regional harrier Jessica Pixler (left, /file photo by Paul Merca), travels to Joplin, Missouri for Saturday’s NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships.

Pixler, who successfully defended her Great Northwest Athletic Conference title at the end of October, cruised to a 33-second victory at the West Regionals in Boise on November 3rd over teammate Jane Larson.

At the West Regionals, Seattle Pacific placed three runners in the top six to claim its first regional title since 1996. Coach Doris Heritage's Falcons scored 45 points to defeat pre-meet favorite Cal State L.A. for the title.

For their accomplishments, Pixler, a sophomore from Sammamish, Washington, was named the West Region’s athlete of the year, and Heritage was named coach of the year.

In last year’s NCAA title meet, Pixler, who is among the favorites to win the NCAA championship, finished tenth.

The Falcons are currently ranked #4 in the USTFCCCA coaches’ poll entering Saturday’s national championships.