Women's cross country team wins Region 8 title Friday

The Eastern Florida State College women's cross country team made history Friday morning, winning the NJCAA Region 8 championship Friday morning at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.

Eastern Florida State College topped Seminole State College for the title by just one point in a tight race between the two teams to advance to the NJCAA Division I National Championships on Nov. 12 in Tallahassee.

"The girls ran really well, they ran better than they did the last time on this course and they also know they can run faster," Eastern Florida State College women's cross country coach Doug Butler said. "To win by one point, I preach to them that every point counts and that was the case today. It is nice, very motivating for them to get the win, they were proud."

Rachel Starr led the way on Friday for the Titans, placing second in the Division I race with a season-best time of 20 minutes 42.70 seconds while teammate Allison Downie was third with a personal best 21:05.80. Julie Hannah was fifth, also running a personal best at 22:03.9. Nicole Dombal was seventh overall with a personal-best run of 22:25.70.

Jennifer Martin ran a 25:10.50, Maggie Dickinson ran a personal best time of 26:29.60 and Amie Demars came back from not training and finished in 31:59.

"Six of the seven had not run a cross country meet before this year so this is pretty awesome," Butler said.

The Titans will be making their first appearance in the national tournament in their first season.