(October 17, 2025) Clinton, Mississippi - After a successful race at the Chile Pepper Festival earlier this month, the Bucks were back at it this morning at Choctaw Trails for the Watson Collegiate XC Classic hosted by Mississippi College. This is the ladies final tune-up before the Region 2 Championship next weekend in Northwest Arkansas.

Unlike the traditional 5K race the ladies typically run, the race in Clinton is a 6K race. This year there were 172 entries that started the the race that represented every level of competitive athletics institutions. 

In her sophomore campaign, Darcy Vineyard (Claremore, OK) had two top 10 finishes this season with three more top 15 finishes. This morning was no different, as the 2024 NJCAA All-American finished 7th overall in the 6K race, setting a school & personal record.

UARM's freshmen also had good day's in their very first 6K competition. Ellie Taylor (Atkins, AR) finished 74th overall with a 25:57.3. Averie Dunn (Kingston, AR) was a minute and a half behind with a 27:29.8. It was good enough for 113th. Mena native Katelynn Foster finished 131st with a 28:49.8. 

The ladies unfortunately will not be able to compete as a team at the Region 2 Championship, but Vineyard will be going to defend her 2024 Region 2 Individual Championship in Bentonville.

#DefendTheMountain