Women's cross country team finishes second at Region 8 Division I Cross Country Championships

The Eastern Florida State College women's cross country team finished second at the FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 Cross Country Championships Friday morning at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.

The Titans finished behind Seminole State College for the Division I team title.

"The ladies didn't win the region, but they ran the best we have at the Region 8 meet. The team average of 21:30 is the best of the season and our top three," Eastern Florida State College women's cross country coach Doug Butler said. "It warmed up during their race and Amelia, Marlie and Rori all went under 21 minutes. Our fifth girl today, Abi, had an incredible run and passed girls the entire race."

The trio of Amelia Shephard, Marlie Gonzalez and Rori Pandolfini finished third, fourth and fifth in the Division I meet as Shephard finished in 20 minutes and 51.40 seconds while Gonzalez was less than four seconds behind Shephard. Pandolfini finished in 20:57.70. Isabella Narvaez was ninth in 21:48.20 while Abigail Derisme crossed in 23:10.90 and Trinity Trett was 14^th in 23:58. Maddy Lusk finished 16^th in 24:35.40.

"It was a great day but I expect them to race better in Richmond in two weeks," Butler said.