Chemaoi, Sangau lead Raiders in first XC meet

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Festus Chemaoi and Zamzam Sangau both won medalist honors and Middle Tennessee was first in the team competition for both the men and women Saturday at the Agnus Scott Invitational in Atlanta, Ga.

Chemaoi led a 1-2-3-4-5 men's finish for the Blue Raiders, with all five competitors completing the 5K course within 45 seconds of each other. The sophomore was first in 17:13, while junior William Songock placed second in 17:31 and sophomore Isaac Biwott was third in 17:49.

Sophomore David Emery finished fourth in 18:01 and sophomore Julius Kirui placed fifth in 18:02.

For the women, Sangau picked up where she left off last season with another first-place showing, her second career medalist honor. The sophomore finished the 5K course in 20:30, with senior Ashley Comstock second in 20:53.

Sophomore Marla Bailey placed third in 21:17, while freshman Kristen Tithof was fourth in 22:15 and senior Ashleigh Thaler finished ninth in 23:36.

"It was a good opening meet, a good relaxed race for both teams and they performed well on a nice course," head coach Dean Hayes said. "The top three girls ran well and together and all five of the guys really bunched together and that's a big positive."

Both teams compete next Friday at the Belmont Opener in Nashville at 5 p.m.

WOMEN - 5K
1. Zamzam Sangau, 20:30
2. Ashley Comstock, 20:53
3. Marla Bailey, 21:17
4. Kristen Tithof, 22:15
9. Ashleigh Thaler, 23:36

MEN - 5K
1. Festus Chemaoi, 17:13
2. William Songock, 17:31
3. Isaac Biwott, 17:49
4. David Emery, 18:01
5. Julius Kirui, 18:02

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