In her collegiate cross-country debut, Ja?llian Paige made an unforgettable impression with a commanding performance at the recent meet. Paige seized the lead from the start, eventually finishing with a decisive two-minute margin. Her final time of 16:45 in the 4k race not only earned her first place but also places her among the top 10 performers in school history for the distance.
Meet Results:
Ja?llian Paige (Louisburg College, 16:45)
Francis Marion (23 points)
Methodist (58 points)
Coker (65 points)
Barton (95 points)
Louisburg Head Coach Mo Ordonez praised Paige's execution, saying, ?Ja?llian executed the race strategy perfectly. Heading into the race, I told her I liked her chances of winning if she trusted her training and ran smart. She was conservative initially, and you could see her confidence building as the race continued. It was an excellent showing of what happens if you commit and stick to the plan. This race experience will be huge for her as the season is just getting started.?
Paige reflected on her performance, ?Starting the race, I was nervous about the outcome because it was the first race of the season, but after praying and motivation from my Coach, I believed in myself to be able to do anything I put my mind to. When the race started, I locked in and started my pace easy-going, then I picked it up and ended it in first place due to Coach Mo?s guidance and God?s grace.?
The Hurricanes will next compete at the Queen City Invitational, hosted by Queens University of Charlotte, at McAlpine Creek Park on Friday, September 13, 2024.