NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Freshman Veronica Jesang finished third overall and Norfolk State edged Hampton by two points to take third in an eight-team field Friday evening at the CNU Invitational, hosted by Christopher Newport at Lee Hall Mansion.
Racing 6,000 meters for the first time this season, Jesang covered the course in 22:23.5 to lead the Spartans and finish behind only Hampton's Peninah Mutisya (21:25.4) and Christopher Newport's Sarah Dake (22:18.8). The performance marked a significant step forward for Jesang, who was Norfolk State's fifth runner two weeks earlier at the Spider Alumni Open.
Junior Abigael Chebet was next across for the Spartans in seventh at 23:47.6, and junior Amira Dailey took 13th in 24:30.2, giving Norfolk State three scorers inside the top 15. Freshmen Taiefa Gowe (27th, 26:32.7) and Sharifa Trocard (34th, 27:35.0) closed out the scoring.
Norfolk State totaled 77 points to finish behind host Christopher Newport (32) and VCU (66) while holding off Hampton (79) by a two-point margin. Virginia Union (117), Regent (163), Bryant & Stratton (204) and Elizabeth City State (208) rounded out the team standings.
Norfolk State Results — Women's 6K
Team Scoring
- Christopher Newport — 32
- VCU — 66
- Norfolk State — 77
- Hampton — 79
- Virginia Union — 117
- Regent — 163
- Bryant & Stratton (Va.) — 204
- Elizabeth City State — 208
UP NEXT: The Spartans return to action Friday, Oct. 2, at the Paul Short Invitational in Bethlehem, Pa. The race is scheduled for 9:45 a.m.
