Kay-Tiarra Johnson was the top finisher for the Firebirds with a time of 30:09.

Posted: Oct 05, 2013

Women's Cross Country Back in Action at George Mason Invitational

LEESBURG, VA - In atypical summer-like weather in October, the University of the District of Columbia Women's Cross Country team competed in their first 6K event of the season on arguably the toughest course this season - the Oatlands Plantation - to participate in the George Mason Cross Country Invitational.

The Firebirds were led by freshman Kay-Tiarra Johnson (Psychology - Hempstead, NY/Hempstead HS) who finished in a time of 30:09 (26th of 38 runners). Sophomore Simone Grant (Health Education - Bronx, NY/Pelham Prep Academy) was the next finisher for the Firebirds with a time of 32:07 for 30th overall.

UDC was fourth among four teams competing at the meet, but head coach Alton McKenzie said this race will serve a purpose later on this season.

"Though we very rarely, if ever, compete in 6K races during the cross country season, this meet and this tough course will prepare us well for the East Coast Conference Championships at the end of this month," McKenzie said. "I am confident this will make us better for the challenge that will come when our Conference Championship meet comes around three weeks from now."

The Firebirds are back in action on Friday October 11th to compete at the Delaware State University Invitational in Smyrna, DE.