The Virginia Union women's cross country team had an outstanding win at the Bowie State Homecoming Invitational on Thursday, October 10, in Bowie, Md.
 
The Lady Panthers, led by sophomore Sarah Adam's individual victory, beat Bowie State University and Washington Adventist University in the first invitational win for the women since 2016. The 5,000 meter course was held at Jericho Park in near perfect weather conditions of low 70s and sun, making for a fast and ideal contest.
 
Running 21:52.8 to win by 90 seconds, Adams dropped from her time of 22:29.7 in 2018. Adams knocked an astounding 40 seconds off her 2018 time to capture her second straight title at the meet which she also won last year.
 
"Sarah's performance is a testament to the quality of training she put in this summer and early fall. No improvement that significant comes without immense commitment and a great work ethic. To drop forty seconds is huge, we are so proud of her," said VUU Head Coach Melissa Ferry. "The women ran a great race, to win by small margins speaks to being diligent and focused when the pressure is on most. This bodes well for our upcoming championship in two weeks."
 
Junior Jepngetich Sheila was the Panther's second finisher in 4th place and a time of 23:57, running 10 seconds faster than last year. Showing a huge improvement since her first race was freshman Camille Hairston who dropped 3 minutes from her first race at VSU to finish in 28:18.8 for 12th overall.
 
Completing scoring for the Panthers was Shyner Dorin (26:02.4 – 6th), freshman Zaire Goddard (28:09 – 9th), senior Chaunsa Saunders (29:49.6 – 14th), Majia Singleton (32:00 – 15th), and sophomore Daejah Majette (34:28).
 
The Panthers return to racing on October 24, when they will contest for the CIAA Cross Country Championship title at Green Hill Park in Salem, Va.