COLUMBIA, S.C. – Junior Jackline Kosgei took first place to help the UNC Pembroke women's cross country team finish second, while a team effort on the men's side saw them take third Saturday morning at the Akiah McMillian Invitational hosted by Columbia College. 
 
Kosgei crossed in 22:18.7 to lead the Braves in the 6K race, while newcomer Michela Gritti finished ninth at 24:03.8. Freshman Malea Bennewitz (24:57.5) finished 17^th, sophomore Karen Piro (25:24.6) crossed in 21^st, and senior Jazmine Lorenzo (28:03.8) finished 50^th. Freshman Mariah Spencer crossed in 62^nd at 29:14.0 to round out the women's side.
 
Sophomore Elisha Kipsang finished 13th in the men's 8K race at 26:49.1, with redshirt junior Bryan Viera behind him in 21^st at 27:27.8. Freshmen Will Clancey (27:34.1) and Payden Lewis (27:35.4) finished back-to-back at 23^rd and 24^th, respectively. Redshirt sophomore Christian Whiteside crossed 35^th at 28:05.7, junior Gabe Blackwelder was 58^th at 29:32.6, with newcomer Conrad Robertson behind them in 67^th at 29:58.2. Junior Kevin Vasquez was 81^st at 30:41.8 and freshman Daniel Mejias finished 83^rd at 30:51.2. 
 
UNCP's cross country teams will be back in action Friday, October 6 as they head to Charlotte for the Royals XC Challenge hosted by Queens University. Race times are TBD.