Zamzam Wins First XC Race

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Sophomore Zamzam Sangau won her first collegiate cross country event for the women and freshman Festus Chemaoi was the top collegiate runner on the men's side, leading Middle Tennessee's harriers Saturday at the UTC FrontRunner Invitational on the Moccasin Bend Course in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Sangau had her fifth straight Top 15 finish this season, winning the two-mile event in 11:01 and leading four Blue Raider runners in the Top 10. Senior Marjorie Gombert placed fourth in 11:23, junior Ashley Comstock was sixth in 11:40 and freshman Marla Bailey finished eighth in 11:47. Junior Tiffany Sawyer was the fifth scorer for the women, placing 13th in 12:26.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Hammond finished 15th in 12:45, senior Catherine Chester was 17th in 12:59, freshman Jennifer Poland placed 18th in 13:08 and junior Ashleigh Thaler was 20th in 13:15.

For the Middle Tennessee men, Chemaoi posted his third Top 5 finish of the season. He finished second overall and was the top collegian, finishing the 5K race in 15:16. Chemaoi was also the top collegian in the season's first race at the Belmont Opener on August 31.

Chemaoi led four Blue Raiders in the Top 10 on the men's side as well, with sophomore William Songock fifth in 15:45, freshman Julius Kirui was seventh in 16:02 and freshman Isaac Biwott placed eighth in 16:05. Sophomore Philip Benavides was the fifth scorer for the Blue Raiders, coming in 11th in 16:59.

Senior Chris Travis finished 13th in 17:44, senior Matthew Young placed 14th in 17:44, freshman Adam Cunningham was 16th in 18:02 and junior Luke Pfleger placed 18th in 18:13.

Middle Tennessee will next run in the Sun Belt Championships on October 27 at Kereiakes Park in Bowling Green, Ky.

MEN - 5K (2nd/3)
1. Festus Chemaoi, 15:16
5. William Songock, 15:45
7. Julius Kirui, 16:02
8. Isaac Biwott, 16:05
11. Philip Benavides, 16:59
13. Chris Travis, 17:44
14. Matthew Young, 17:44
16. Adam Cunningham, 18:02
18. Luke Pfleger, 18:13

WOMEN - 2 Miles (2nd/3)
1. Zamzam Sangau, 11:01
4. Marjorie Gombert, 11:23
6. Ashley Comstock, 11:40
8. Marla Bailey, 11:47
13. Tiffany Sawyer, 12:26
15. Kaitlyn Hammond, 12:45
17. Catherine Chester, 12:59
18. Jennifer Poland, 13:08
20. Ashleigh Thaler, 13:15

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