MASON, Ohio – Jessica Shaw was in position to contend for All-America status, but a fall at the 3-kilometer mark damaged her run in the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships.

The Albion sophomore from Allegan proved her mettle, getting up right away and reaching the finish line in 23:31.4.

"Jess was in the top 35 with a little over a 2k into the race," Head Coach Derick Lawrence said. "At around the 3k mark she slipped going downhill on the muddy and sloppy course. In the process of falling, she got stepped on by two competitors. She was spiked in the foot that ripped the side of her shoe and injured her toe.

"Jess showed resilience by getting up quickly and getting back into the race," Lawrence said. "Her toughness is what shined today.  She never gave up and kept charging ahead. This was valuable experience for her to get on a national stage and compete against the best. There are lots of great things ahead for her."

Shaw, the first woman to represent Albion in the national championship meet, achieved all-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association first team and all-Great Lakes Region awards during her fine season.