Senior Cori Koch was named All-Region as women's cross country tied for fifth at the Mid-Atlantic Regional meet on Saturday, the best finish in program history.

With 187 team points, Maryland tied with Bucknell at the 6K race in Bethlehem, Pa. The Terps' highest finish had previously been eighth, which they accomplished most recently in 2001 and 2003. The performance was just another impressive feat in what has turned into a very special year for the program.

"This solidifies them as the best women's cross country team ever at Maryland," coach Dr. Michael Garrison said. Earlier in the season, Maryland was ranked for the first time ever, No. 29 in the Oct. 3 FinishLynx national poll.

Finishing 18th overall in 21:14.0, Koch earned All-Region honors for the first time in her career. It was also the fourth time this year she has paced the team. "I was definitely shooting for All-Region and was pleased to accomplish that," she said. The top 25 finishers earned All-Region recognition.

Also for Maryland, sophomore Meghan Braffet placed 29th in 21:35.30. Braffet was running only her second race of the season after missing the first three months due to injury. Senior Katie Purcell was next for the Terps, crossing in 21:46.30, good for 37th place.

Junior Laurel Jefferson came in 48th in 21:57.20. She was followed on Maryland by Danielle Siebert (55th), Allison Carney (64th) and Kylynn McKinley.

The Terps have one competition remaining on their 2005 schedule, the IC4A/ECAC Championships in Bronx, N.Y. next weekend.