ALBANY, Ga. | Shaun Williams crossed the finish line first, and the Cougars followed close behind. Columbus State placed five runners inside the top six to capture the men's team title Friday (Sept. 11) at the Willie Laster Invitational, while the Cougar women added a strong third-place finish.

Williams completed the men's 8K in 27:38.90, finishing nearly 25 seconds ahead of the runner-up. Columbus State placed five runners among the top six and finished with 19 points, defeating second-place Morehouse by 44 points.

James Harrelson placed third with a time of 28:11.70, followed by Moses Adams in fourth at 28:17.70 and Ian Palomares in fifth at 28:24.80. Isaiah Biwott rounded out the Cougars' scoring five, placing sixth with a time of 29:31.80.

On the women's side, Columbus State placed third with 58 points and landed five runners inside the top 20. Hadiya Ali led the Cougars with a sixth-place finish, completing the 5K in 20:17.40.

Layla Albright followed in seventh with a time of 20:31.20, while Anna Norton placed 12th at 21:07.80. Alaiya James crossed the line in 14th at 21:41.20, and Reese Moss rounded out CSU's scoring five, placing 20th with a time of 23:00.60.

"Both teams did excellent in my eyes," Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach Xavier Matthews said. "We're hoping to keep refining and fine-tuning every aspect to ensure we're ready by PBC. Times are dropping, confidence is rising, and the Cougars are coming."

UP NEXT:

The Cougars return to action Friday (Sept. 18) at the UNG Cross Country Invitational.