ALBANY, Ga. – Florida A&M's Women's Cross Country ran away with the team title Friday evening at the Willie Laster Cross Country Invitational, scoring a near-perfect 20 points to top a six-team field that included host Albany State, Columbus State and Savannah State. The event was held at Radium Springs Park in Albany, Georgia.
Rose Muturi led the Rattlers and the entire race, crossing the line first in a time of 18:46.10 on the night – a season-best for her, respectfully. Teammate Crystal Malaykhan was right behind her in second place at 19:42.10, giving FAMU the top two spots in the race.
Albany State's Brea Vann was the only non-FAMU runner to crack the top three, finishing third in 19:49.60.
But the Rattlers reasserted themselves immediately after, as
Niya Coleman (19:56.40) and Christina Fitzpatrick (20:02.21) placed fourth and fifth to round out Florida A&M's scoring pack through the front of the race.
Jaade McBride added an eighth-place finish (20:31.30) and Bree Brooks was 10th (20:42.90) for the Rattlers, with Leandra Ferrell rounding out FAMU's scorers in 13th (21:31.70).
Nina Story also competed unattached to the scoring lineup, finishing 17th in 22:08.90.
FAMU's 20 points were well clear of runner-up Albany State, which finished with 56 points behind Vann's third-place run along with Faith Thompson (ninth), Sydney Haywood (11th), Jehzaria Middleton (16th) and Charity Tukes (18th).
Columbus State was third as a team with 58 points, led by Hadiya Ali (sixth) and Layla Albright (seventh).
Middle Georgia State (121 points) and Marion Military Institute (131 points) rounded out the middle of the standings, while Savannah State finished with 183 points.
The Rattlers return to action Friday, Sept. 18, staying local in Tallahassee, as they compete in the Pre-Regional hosted by Florida State at Apalachee Regional Park. The event is set to begin at 7:30 a.m.
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Florida A&M Individual Performers
1. Rose Muturi___________ 18:46.10
2. Crystal Malaykhan______ 19:42.10
4.
Niya Coleman_________ 19:56.40
5. Christina Fitzpatrick_____ 20:02.21
8. Jaade McBride_________ 20:31.30
10. Bree Brooks___________ 20:42.90
13. Leandra Ferrell_________ 21:31.70
17. Nina Story____________ 22:08.90
