TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Valdosta State men's and women's cross-country teams competed in the 2021 Florida State Cross Country open Friday morning at Apalachee Regional Park.  The men competed in an 8K and the women in a 6K.
 
In a meet packed with a number of top NCAA Division I institutions, both VSU men's and women's teams held their own with the men finishing 17^th overall as the women's finished 25^th.  
 
Among NCAA Division II institutions, the Blazer men's team finished ahead of the likes of Palm Beach Atlantic, West Florida, Nova Southeastern and Florida Tech.  Also competing in the meet were Alabama-Huntsville, Lee, Florida Southern, Tampa, Flagler and Lynn.  VSU also finished ahead of DI programs South Florida, Florida International, Miami and Florida Tech.  
 
The Blazer Women's team finished ninth among D2 schools with Angie Cipriani finishing as the 9^th DII runner across the line with a time of 22:54.6. Cipriani also passed 77 people after the first 1170m of the race. Following behind Cipriani was Leah Johnson with a time of 25:09.5 and Samantha Murray with a time of 25:12.3. Setting new personal records for the VSU women's team was Caitlyn Koske (28:42.7), Jaycie Anderson (29:11.2), and Kiley Matheson (30:54.7).
 
Crossing the finish line first for the men, was Logan Kraus with a time of 26:30.4 as he set a new personal record for the FSU course. Following behind Karaus, was Brishen House with a time of 26:39.3 and Nick Flatt running a 26:47.7. Setting new personal records for the VSU men's team was Charlie Eaton (28:14.9), Chris Flores (28:19.5), Nick Rosatti (28:25.9), and Alec Munger (29:21.9).
 
The Blazers cross country teams are back in action on October 2, in Saint Leo, Fla. for the NCAA DII National Preview. The women will tackle a 6K race while the men tackle an 8K race starting at 8:15 a.m.
 
The following week, the team will head to Charlotte, N.C., to compete at the Royals Challenge.