FLORENCE, Ala. – The first race of 2025 went about as well as it could for UWF women's cross country, as the Argos came away with a first-place finish at the UNA Invitational Women's 5K.
 
It was the first No. 1 finish in program history at the event, and the first top finish in any event since the 2023 Argonaut Invitational.
 
Five Argonaut runners finished inside the top 20, including newcomers Jessica Chapell placing third out of 112 with a time of 18:28.29 and Elyse Carmichael placing fifth at 18:36.96. The Argos were able to beat out the University of Alabama-Huntsville who was picked second in the Gulf South Conference preseason coaches' poll. 
 
They also finished ahead of fellow GSC teams Union, Auburn-Montgomery, Montevallo, and West Alabama, in addition to the hosting North Alabama Lions. 
 
"This race was about setting the tone for what we want and aspire to be at the end of the season. It was a team win, and I'm so proud of this group for putting all the work in. The results will continue to be positive if we believe." head coach Caleb Carmichael said. 
 
The Argos placed four runners under the 19-minute mark in the 5K, with a 46-second spread between the top five runners. Chloe Rook placed 11^th overall with an 18:56.87 time, just before Ava Baldauf at 13^th (18:59.70) and Sydney Orth, who placed 17^th after running a personal best time of 19:14.7. 
 
Sierra Howard placed 31^st with a 19:48.44 time, Julia Alvarez Drago finished 46^th, with 20:26.67, and Ambrea Hobbs 23:09.89 time placed her at 78.
 
UWF now returns home to Pensacola to host the Argonaut Invitational on Friday September 12 from the UWF Cross Country Course. The men's 8K begins at 7:30 AM CT with the women's 5K following shortly after at 8:15. Awards will be presented at 9:00 AM CT. 
 
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