TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Albany State University women's cross country team delivered another strong performance Friday morning at the FSU Invitational, finishing ahead of two NCAA Division I programs and placing among the top Division II competitors in the women's 6K race.
The Lady Golden Rams finished ninth overall out of 16 teams with 302 points, placing ahead of Division I programs Alabama State and Jacksonville, as well as Division II opponent Valdosta State.
Albany State also finished second among the six non-Division I programs competing in the event, highlighting the team's continued progress as postseason competition approaches.
Sophomore Brea Vann once again led the Lady Golden Rams, crossing the finish line in 24:00.1. The three-time SIAC Women's Runner of the Week honoree continued her impressive season as Albany State's top finisher.
Faith Thompson followed with a strong performance, recording a time of 24:34.0, while Sydney Haywood completed the 6K course in 25:11.5.
Jehzaria Middleton was the fourth Lady Golden Ram to cross the finish line, recording a time of 25:55.3. Albany State's top four runners each finished under the 26-minute mark.
Zahriya Sullivan added a time of 28:15.2, followed by Nyidjah Ives at 29:47.2 and Gabrielle Dillard at 30:36.6.
Albany State head women's cross country coach Robert Smith praised his team's performance despite facing challenging weather conditions and a competitive field.
"We ran well today on a very tough course with a lot of Division I competition," said Smith. "Despite the rainy conditions, I saw a lot of confidence and strong running from our runners today. Over the next few weeks, our goal is to continue getting better, stronger and attacking each day."
Friday's performance marked another encouraging outing for the Lady Golden Rams, who continue to build momentum heading into the postseason. Finishing ahead of two Division I programs further highlighted Albany State's ability to compete against strong competition outside the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
The Lady Golden Rams will now shift their attention toward the upcoming SIAC Cross Country Championships as they look to continue their success and pursue a third consecutive conference title.
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 12 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, baseball, and football, with all teams competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
