NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk State women's cross country team returns to competition Friday evening at the CNU Invitational, hosted by Christopher Newport University at Lee Hall Mansion in Newport News, Va. The 6K race is set for 5:30 p.m.
It is a rare evening start for the Spartans, their first 6K of the season, and one of the few meets on the 2026 schedule within a short drive of campus — giving Hampton Roads fans their best chance to see the program in person this fall.
MEET INFORMATION
- Meet: CNU Invitational (host: Christopher Newport)
- Date: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
- Site: Lee Hall Mansion — Newport News, Va.
- Race: Women's 6K, 5:30 p.m.
- Live Results: https://cnutfxc.anet.live/meets/77127AthleticNet
THE FIELD
Ten teams are entered, along with two unattached runners, in a field drawn almost entirely from Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.
Teams: Bryant & Stratton (Va.), Chowan, Christopher Newport, Elizabeth City State, Hampton, Norfolk State, Regent, Richard Bland, VCU, Virginia Union
The headline matchup is a Battle of the Bay meeting with crosstown rival Hampton, which brings seven runners across the water. VCU adds a second Division I opponent with the largest non-host contingent at 10 entries, while host Christopher Newport leads all teams with 14.
Norfolk State is also one of four HBCU programs in the race, joining Hampton, Virginia Union and Elizabeth City State.
NORFOLK STATE ENTRIES
Seven Spartans are on the start list: Abigael Chebet, Amira Dailey, Janaisa Dearry, Taiefa Gowe, Veronica Jesang, Sonia Koech and Sharifa Trocard.
Dearry and Koech make their season debuts after sitting out the opener.
LAST TIME OUT
Norfolk State opened the season Sept. 5 at the Spider Alumni Open, hosted by Richmond at Pole Green Park, placing 12th in a 16-team field with 341 points.
Junior Abigael Chebet paced the Spartans, covering the 4,000-meter course in 16:04.3 and sitting inside the top 40 at the 2K checkpoint. Junior Amira Dailey followed in 16:27.8, giving Norfolk State two scorers under 16:30, and freshman Taiefa Gowe was third across in 17:22.7. Trocard (18:26.0) and Jesang (23:34.6) completed the scoring five.
Three Spartans made their collegiate debuts in the race.
UP NEXT
The Spartans travel to Bethlehem, Pa., for the Paul Short Invitational on Friday, Oct. 2, hosted by Lehigh, before the MEAC Championships on Oct. 30 in Cary, N.C.
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram) and @NSU_TFXC for cross country and track & field, or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.
