Back in the mix: Moraine Valley women’s cross country sets sights on third consecutive Region 4 title

With a full team in tow, Moraine Valley Community College women's cross country is aiming for a Region 4 title three-peat and a return to nationals.

A last-minute addition to the roster changed the direction of the Cyclones' goals, providing a confidence boost to the team.

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"It was a big surprise because we went most of the summer with four runners, and she joined us to change things. We're back in the mix," said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas, in his 11th season leading the women's and men's cross country programs.

Leading the way are returning runners Eva Zimmerman (Sandburg) and Fernanda Cabrera (Oak Forest). Zimmerman had a stellar freshman year, becoming the Cyclone program's first Region 4 Runner of the Year after she was first to cross the finish line at regionals before placing 39th at nationals, earning an NJCAA Coaches Association All-American honor. Cabrera earned All-Region honors and ran at nationals as well.

"Eva put in a ton of work this summer with goals to break the school 5K and 6K records and becoming an All-American. Ultimately, she wants to be the best of all time at Moraine Valley. She can do it, and it's my responsibility to help her do it," Dimizas explained. "Fernanda made it to nationals last year and wants to repeat. She also put in a lot of work this summer and has improved."

Joining the duo is Naliyah Anderson (Oak Lawn), Stephanie Lipkie (Stagg) and Maya Fedko (Lemont). Fedko is the newest addition and one of the most accomplished runners coming to the squad. She was a state qualifier in high school but initially wasn't planning to run at Moraine Valley. Lipkie's older sister ran for the Cyclones, so she is familiar with the program. "Maya is still learning our program and expectations, so we'll see how she does. The other two had a good summer training and improved. I'm excited to see what they'll do," Dimizas added.

With this crew, Dimizas feels the team can repeat for a third consecutive year as region champions; doing so would qualify the entire team for another run at the national tournament.

"We want to get all of them as close together as possible during races and keep them healthy," Dimizas noted. "We'll rely on all five to achieve what we want."

The Cyclones open their season on Friday, Aug. 28, at the first-ever Skyway Preview Meet at Waubonsee Community College. For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.