Women's cross country team ready for state tourney Friday

The Eastern Florida State College women's cross country team will compete in the FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 Cross Country Championships Friday at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.

The women's race will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Tallahassee with awards to follow.

The women's cross country team is making its debut in the Region 8/FCSAA Cross Country Championships and will be a part of 12 teams competing in Division I and Division II categories. The Titans and Seminole State College are the lone two teams in Division I and will battle for the title while 10 teams will vie for the Division II title.

"We have been doing well in practice sessions and I think they are ready," Eastern Florida State College women's cross country coach Doug Butler said. "A top three finish overall would be good for us in our first postseason meet. We are excited to run in Tallahassee once again and are looking forward to competing against a field of junior college teams."

Rachel Starr and Allison Downie have both run the 5K race in under 22 minutes this season and lead a good group of runners into the championship meet.

The teams will advance to the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament on Nov. 12.