TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Florida A&M's quest for consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference Women's Cross-Country titles came up short on Monday (October 21) in a second-place team finish. The Rattlers were edged out by just two points, as Alabama State secured first place with 47 points to Florida A&M's 49.
 
Tara Bert, who led FAMU in every race this season, capped her impressive debut with a second-place finish in 19:20.9 – her best result and first sub-20 performance. Niya Coleman (19:39.9) and Lacie Deboskie (19:51.3) also cracked the "Top 10", placing sixth and ninth, respectively, with their first sub-20 times. 
 
The Rattlers crowned their cross-country campaign with four achieving personal bests: Bert, Coleman, Deboskie, and Alesia Douglas (20:25.8).
 
SWAC Championships Result (Athlete | Time | Finish)
Tara Bert | 19:20.9 | 2/75
Niya Coleman | 19:39.9 | 6/75
Lacie Deboskie | 19:51.3 | 9/75
Alesia Douglas | 20:25.8 | 16/75
Serenity Williams | 20:34.6 | 19/75
Jillian Salmon | 22:03.6 | 32/75
Chereice Cope | 22:18.3 | 39/75
Kristian Prather | 22:34.8 | 40/75
Madison Gordon | 23:03.4 | 44/75

Personal Records
 
Team Standings
Alabama State | 47
Florida A&M | 49
Prairie View A&M | 86
Alabama A&M | 94
Southern | 155
Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 164
Alcorn State | 173
Bethune-Cookman | 189
Jackson State | 200
Mississippi Valley State | 250
Grambling State | 311