Maeda was one of two runners from the Great Midwest to cross the line in the top 10 at the 6K Calvin Knight Invitational, placing fourth overall in her first race.
Maeda finished the course in 22:03.10 and edged out 2018 conference freshman of the year Gabrielle Lawrence from Findlay.
The 11th-ranked Chargers also won the team competition with 24 programs competing with a combined time of 1:53.09.
This is her first conference career weekly honor.
The Chargers will be back on the course next weekend at the Tiffleberg Invitational hosted by Tiffin.