SALISBURY, N.C. — Virginia Union University's Abijah Jepkemboi captured the individual crown in the women's race at the Blue Bear XC Invitational, hosted by Livingstone College on Friday, September 19.

Jepkemboi dominated the 4.5-kilometer course, crossing the finish line in 17:32.54—15 seconds ahead of the runner-up.

She was joined by standout performances from teammates Natalie Young, who placed third with a time of 17:54.76, and Toni Middlebrooks, who finished fifth in 19:05.98. The trio's efforts helped propel the Lady Panthers to a second-place overall finish among the six teams competing.

"The women's team finished second overall, led by Abijah Jepkemboi in 1st place, Natalie Young in 3rd, and Toni Middlebrooks in 5th," said VUU Head Cross-Country Coach Franck Charles. "They set a strong standard for our ladies. This meet was about building self-confidence and proving that even when the window may seem closed, with faith and a strong heart there's always a positive outcome."

Virginia Union will return to action at the Ben Snelling Cancer Classic on Friday, October 3, at 4:30 p.m. in Louisburg, N.C.