DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Valdosta State cross country teams competed in the Embry-Riddle Classic Saturday. The men’s team finished fourth out of 13 teams, while the women compiled a sixth-place showing out of 12 teams.

The men’s team tallied 151 points. Embry-Riddle finished with 21 to win the event.

Juan Tejada led the Blazers, finishing 28th with a time of 30:06, while Alan McGough was 36th (30:45). Steve Cary completed the 8K course in a time of 31:05 to finish 41st, while Brandon Joyner was 46th with a time of 31:23. Chris Gaither was 54th (32:01), Chris Holland 66th (33:03), Daniel McCormick 80th (34:28) and Justin Hergert 82nd (35:17).

The women’s team finished with 157 points. Embry-Riddle also claimed the women’s title with 31 points. Ashley Hiott led the Lady Blazers with a time of 22:16, finishing 18th, while Kaynekka Gibbs was 20th in a time of 22:28. Heather McLure compiled a time of 22:57 to finish 29th, while Alecia Beck was 62nd in a time of 25:26. Laura Carpenter was right behind in 63rd with a time of 25:43. Andrea Smith was 86th at 31:00.

Valdosta State returns to action next Saturday, when it takes part in the Georgia Collegiates in Macon.

Lady Blazers fall to West Florida

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State Lady Blazers lost their second Gulf South Conference match of the season, falling 3-0 to West Florida 3-0 Friday night at The Complex.

The Lady Blazers (8-9) started off strong in the first game, and at one point were five points ahead of the Argonauts (14-2). VSU’s offense struggled, hitting just .054 as a team, while UWF hit .294. West Florida came back to win game 1, 30-20.

In game 2, the Lady Blazers kept it close, falling 30-26. Both teams had 14 kills in the game.

Even though the Lady Blazers tallied four blocks in game 3, compared to UWF’s two, it wasn’t enough for a VSU win. West Florida took game three, 30-22.

As a team, VSU tallied 36 kills. West Florida had 44 kills and tallied seven blocks, compared to the Lady Blazers five.

Stephanie Kirrstetter and Irene Hannan both had nine kills apiece for VSU. Laura Boos led the defense with 10 digs, while Arielle Parnell had four block assists.

For West Florida, Isabele Gualberto had 10 kills and Jerica Carter totaled 14 digs.

VSU continues conference play next Friday, with a 7 p.m. game against North Alabama at The Complex.