If only there were a few more strides in UW-Parkside distance runner Jessica Monson career with the Rangers.

Monson, a senior, finished steps behind Seattle Pacific's Jessica Pixler in the 1500 meter run Saturday at the NCAA Division II National Championship in San Angelo, Texas. Monson finished in second place with a time of 4:27.38 and Pixler clocked in a 4:26.75. Pixler opened a big lead, but Monson battled the windy and damp conditions to make it a tight race down the backstretch.

"If (the race) would've been five more meters, maybe two…," Parkside coach Mike DeWitt said.

Pixler, a sophomore, has won eight Division 2 titles and is "just an outstanding runner" DeWitt said.

DeWitt will miss having a the standout Parkside runner around next season, but is pleased Monson with all the work and effort she put forth.

"She was good when she came in (to Parkside)," DeWitt said. "She just kept getting better."