The GMC Women's Cross Country team traveled to Westfield, MA for the NJCAA Division III National Championships on 4 November 2017.  For the first time in the history of the program, GMC qualified 7 runners for the race.  Coach Rob Sherwood speaking about the accomplishment said "This team has done something never done before.  To qualify 7 runners is a great accomplishment for these young women."  The day was clear and cool and the famous New England fall foliage was just past its peak and the Lady Running Bulldogs were ready to show the nation that they belonged in the national stage.   The 2017 race had 42 teams entered and was the largest in the history of the competition.

As the gun sounded, the women took off on the course and were running well.  The course was mostly flat, a few hills and included a very nice wooded stretch along a river.  As had been the result all season, Freshmen Jhakira Glover (Bradenton, FL) led the team with a 23^rd place finish and a time of 20:59.  Sophomore Destinee Hernandez (Merrit Island, FL) placed 63^rd, Freshmen Nekebah Smith (Milledgeville, GA) placed 72^nd, Sophomore Jessica Hurtado (Grovetown, GA) 91^st and Sophomore Haley Valentine (Platte, MO) 94^th.  The team finished in 9^th place, but were only 9 points away from 6^th place. 

Speaking of the experience, Valentine said "This was a great way for me to finish my GMC running career.  I have really enjoyed running cross country at GMC."  Hernandez echoed her sentiment "I never thought that I would enjoy running but I really did.  I am grateful for the chance GMC game me to run."

Coach Sherwood stated that "I am really grateful for the 4 Sophomores that we had run they were amazing.  I am also looking forward to the 3 returners for next season and hope to return stronger for the 2018 campaign."