CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Women's cross country competed Friday evening at the Royals Cross Country Challenge hosted by Queens University of Charlotte. Head coach Sarah Smith Carlson's team notched a 57th-place finish among a tough field including eight total South Atlantic Conference teams.

UVa-Wise finished in a total time of 2:01:45 and averaged a pace of 24:21. Freshman Haley Sykes crossed the finish line first for the Cavs with a time of 20:37. Fellow freshman Kaley Sykes completed the 5K next in a time of 22:42 while sophomore Lexie Rhoton posted a time of 24:15.

Sophomore Leah Baker registered a time of 25:19 with junior Brooke Wheatley recording a time of 28:50. Senior Mary Beth VanCleave rounded out the race for the Cavs with a time of 30:54 in the 5K race at McAlpine Creek Park.

Coach Carlson's squad will conclude their season in two weeks at the South Atlantic Conference Championship race on Saturday, Oct. 26 hosted by Wingate University.