KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern women's cross country team wrapped up its regular season Friday with a fifth-place finish at the Appalachian Challenge, hosted by Tennessee Wesleyan at Sequoyah Park.
Facing one of the strongest NAIA fields of the season, the Firehawks totaled 176 points to finish fifth overall behind Milligan, Cumberlands, Rio Grande, and Southeastern University. UT Southern finished ahead of nationally competitive programs including Montreat, St. Thomas (Fla.), Midway, Georgetown (Ky.), Reinhardt, Lindsey Wilson, Dalton State, and Freed-Hardeman.
Junior Vera Maisaje once again led the way for the Firehawks, finishing sixth overall in a field featuring several nationally ranked runners. The Lagos, Nigeria native covered the 5K course in 18:22.3, averaging 5:54.8 per mile to record UT Southern's top finish of the day.
Maisaje's performance continued a remarkable season that has included multiple school records, numerous individual victories, and four consecutive SSAC Runner of the Week honors.
Senior Alyssa Andrea delivered another strong race, placing 21st overall in 19:05.9, giving UT Southern a pair of runners inside the top 25.
Freshman Uxue Armas continued her impressive rookie campaign with a 43rd-place finish in 19:34.4, while junior Lou-Anne Bernard crossed the line in 59th place with a time of 19:59.7.
Senior Claire Deaton rounded out the Firehawks' scoring five, finishing 77th overall in 20:14.3.
Freshman Courtney Dover narrowly missed the top 95, finishing in 20:39.6, while junior Lauren Hallmark crossed the line in 20:43.4. Senior Amelia Worsley followed closely behind in 20:45.1.
The Firehawks posted a team average of 19:27 and placed four runners under the 20-minute mark against a field loaded with conference champions, nationally ranked teams, and individual title contenders from across the NAIA.
Friday's meet served as an important postseason tune-up as UT Southern measured itself against several of the strongest teams it could potentially see later in the championship season. The Firehawks responded with another solid team effort and continued to show the depth that has fueled one of the program's most successful campaigns.
With the regular season complete, the Firehawks now turn their focus to the Southern States Athletic Conference Championship on Nov. 6 in Clinton, Mississippi, where UT Southern will look to build on a season highlighted by school records, conference honors, and national recognition.
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