WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- The Hampton University women's cross country team opened its 2017 season on Friday evening with a fifth place finish at the William & Mary Cross Country Invitational held at Eastern State Hospital.

Juniors Janet Okeago and Faith Keitany were second and third respectively to lead Hampton over the 5k Eastern State Hospital course.  Okeago ran 18:08.63, while Keitany ran 18:09.74.  Freshman Eusila Chepkemei was 17^th in her first meet running 19:09.59, while junior Pollyanna Velasco covered the course in 20:35.51 to finish 57^th.

Rounding out the Lady Pirates in the season opening meet were: Asia Johnson (71^st/21:15.56), DeVonya Brown (82^nd/23:10.99); Alysha Evans (84^th/24:46.65) and Ashanti Salee (85^th/25:38.88).

Charlotte edged out William & Mary 61-63 to take the team title with Navy right on their heels with 65 points.  George Washington was fourth with 75, while Hampton was fifth with 90 points and Christopher Newport was sixth with 176.

Hampton will return to action next Friday in Charlottesville for the Panorama Farms Invitational hosted by the University of Virginia.

For more information on Hampton University women's cross country, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.