Natalie Williams and Abigail Pruitt Earn Top Five Finishes for UVI Women’s Cross Country in BVI

TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, October 8, 2025 – Junior Natalie Williams and sophomore Abigail Pruitt both achieved top-five finishes, leading the women's cross-country team from the University of the Virgin Islands during the second leg of the 30th anniversary HLSCC Mourant College Classic race series on October 4. The two-mile race was held on the nearby island of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and is one of five races occurring in the British territory.

Williams, who secured seventh place in her cross-country debut last week in St. Thomas, secured a top-five position in the women's division of the race, finishing fourth with a time of 16:50. The dual-sport athlete made a strong push to finish the race, narrowly outrunning her teammate.

Pruitt, who also had a commendable performance, finished just seven seconds behind Williams with a time of 16:57, earning her fifth place overall. The Alaskan native, in her first year with the Buccaneers, continues to be a key contributor for the Lady Buccaneers, having placed in the top five in all her races this season.

Junior Gabrielle Quetel finished within the top 15, taking 12th place overall with a time of 19:54, while senior Aisha Sabur clocked in at 20:08, securing 17th place among the competitors. Sophomore Ruby Brahene rounded out the finishers for the Lady Buccaneers.

"The women performed well enough in this race," remarked head coach Dale Joseph. "We didn't achieve the goal we aimed for; however, we now understand where we need to develop and improve as we continue to prepare for our upcoming championship in Alabama."

With the regular season now complete, the Buccaneers will shift their focus to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference Championships, scheduled for Friday, October 17, at the Indians Mounds Course in Danville, Alabama.