LOUISVILLE, Ky. (September 30, 2023) – The University of North Alabama women's cross country team competed in its largest field to date, running at the "Live in Lou" Louisville Cross Country Classic on Saturday at Tom Sawyer Park.
 
The Lions finished 26th of 41 teams in the women's 5K with an average time of 19:42.18.
 
For the first time this season, the Lions were led by junior Janeth Jepkirui with a time of 19:20.2 to place 81st in a field of 383 runners. Jepkirui made it as high as 67th place in the first split with a time of 7:39.3 at the first checkpoint.
 
Junior Ashlyn Anderson was the second Lion to cross the line with a time of 19:39.1. Anderson started in 163rd at the first checkpoint, then jumped 35 spots by the end to finish in 128th. In the final split, Anderson moved up 19 spots.
 
Running alongside Anderson was junior teammate Gracie Mathews who finished with a time of 19:40.3 — ranking as high as 22nd at the first checkpoint. Fellow junior Laura Mobley finished not far behind with a time of 19:49.2.
 
Senior Sage Betts was the fifth scorer for North Alabama with a time of 20:05.8, shaving six seconds off last meet's time at the Southern Showcase.
 
The Lions will have a three-week break from action, returning to races on Friday, Oct. 20 with the Firehawk Invitational at McFarland Park in Florence.
 
The majority of runners who raced today will be back in action the following Saturday, Oct. 28 at the ASUN Championships hosted by Lipscomb in Nashville.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.