The Patriots traveled to the state capital to race the FSU Invitational. The future home of the 2026 World Championships, Apalachee Regional Park is well known for its courses. In particular, the final portion of the loop that is deemed "the wall." To the ladies of CF, however, they call it the HILL, referencing both their teammate's last name and also the growing familiarity with the course. It was the site where the Pats ran their first ever program race last September.

Today with three veterans from the 2022 season and five freshmen, the ladies made school history with a top five spread of 1:49 and a 25:03 5k team average. 335 female runners and 40 women's teams competed in Tallahassee. Running alongside big-time schools like LSU, FSU, UF, and other universities, the Pats placed 33rd of 40 teams; 5 teams were incomplete.

Coach Lumley stated, "For this race, the ladies worked on pacing and consistency. Keeping teammates in sight and using each other to stay on target proved powerful in the finish times out here today. We have been focusing on distance with a comfortable first mile for a faster push during the last 800 meters."

Brianna Carey led the Pats with a 24:05. Newcomer Magda Barcia (24:28) and veteran Heidi Kearney (24:57) set season bests. Erica Pickron (25:50) and Iraly Faria (25:54) ran together pumping each other up while remaining stride for stride over the 3.1 mile course. Freshmen Simone Hamilton (27:24) and Myra Hill (29:54) also covered the grassy and hilly terrain with strong finishes that resulted in season bests.

The Pats have their sights set on even faster times at Apalachee when they return on October 24 for the FCSAA Regional Championships. Prior to a trip back to ARP, the ladies will compete in the FGC Invite on October 13. Go Pats!