SPARTANBURG – The Jax State Cross Country teams each took home the team crowns on Saturday at the Upstate Invitational on Saturday in Spartanburg, S.C. Viola Jepleting also earned the individual championship on the women's side of the event.

"I'm proud of both the men and women on the team victories," said head coach Jeremy Provence, "Our middle group on both teams showed a lot of improvement. This will be key as we prepare for the CUSA Championship meet."

Jepleting took home Jax State's second individual title on the women's side this season, joining Mercy Jebet, who placed second at the Upstate Invitational and won the Foothills Invitational earlier this season.

Jepkirui Kurgoi placed third, giving the Gamecocks the top three finishers on the women's side. Olivia King (16^th), Naum Kibiwott (17^th) and Selina Planken (19^th) also impressed in Spartanburg, finishing with sub 18:30 times.

"Naum has steadily improved this season," said Provence, "She works hard and after a small adjustment to her race plan, we are starting to see positive results."
 
In the men's race, Meshack Kosgei led the way, placing third with a time of 24:27.7. Nelbat Kiprop Kirwa earned ninth while Evan Allen (13^th), Jack Lowe (15^th) and Mark Roper (21^st) rounded out the Gamecock scorers.

The next wave of Gamecocks finished not far behind, with freshmen Augusto Caceres (28^th), Nolan McGregor (33^rd) and Pai Wynyard (41^st) also churning out impressive finishes.
 
"Augusto led a strong second pack," said Provence, "The biggest difference was him being more aggressive early in the race. Augusto put himself in position to have a good day."