UVI Women’s Cross Country Close out Season at HBCUAC Championship
DANVILLE, ALABAMA, October 20, 2024 – The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) women's cross country team closed the 2024 season at the Historical Black College and University Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Cross Country Championships hosted by Decatur Morgan County Tourism.
The six-kilometer HBCUAC Championship race held in Danville, Alabama featured 10 of the 13 conference institutions competing for the coveted title. Unfortunately, the Lady Buccaneers were unable to secure a team score and contend for the conference title, as only four student-athletes completed the course. Despite this setback, each runner achieved individual results.
"I couldn't ask for more from this team," said head coach Dale Joseph. "They gave it their all. Despite our uphill challenges, these women successfully completed the mission of putting on a strong showing at the conference championships. Their willingness and resilience in taking on this challenge was truly admirable. The honorable character they displayed throughout the season was commendable."
Leading the way for the four-woman team was sophomore Gabrielle Quetel, who crossed the finish line first among her teammates. Quetel posted a time of 39:29.82 giving her a 44th-place finish.
Freshman Emma Alexander achieved success by completing the course in 42:00.48, securing a 48th-place finish. This marked the first time this season that she was able to cross the finish line, as a lingering injury prevented her from finishing her last two meets.
Junior Aisha Sabur and freshman Ruby Brahene made their debut for the Lady Buccaneers, finishing 51st and 54th, respectively.
The Bleu Devils of Dillard University secured their fourth consecutive conference title with a score of 35 points and a total course time of 2:21:07 for their top five runners.