VALDOSTA, Ga. - True freshman Morgan Bitting finished first individually as she lead the Flagler College women's cross country team to a first place finish at the Valdosta State University Border Clash this evening.

SAINTS FINISHERS
1. Morgan Bitting - 20:00.3
3. Vivian Brezler - 20:27.8
4. Alison Gaston - 20:28.4
6. Ella Loest - 20:49.4
7. Belicia O'Grady - 21:01.6
9. Natalie Bowman - 21:23.6
10. Ripley Penney - 21:30.9
12. Jasmine Lopez - 22:02.0
13. Sofia Galvan - 22:03.4
15. Taylor Muhlbaier. - 22:38.6
16. Carolyn Cross - 22:39.5

TURNING POINT
Flagler opened their 2026 cross country season with a first place finish for the second consecutive year. Consisting of mainly underclassman, the Saints finished with 21 points and an average 5k time of 20:33. The host institute, Valdosta State, finished in a respectable second place, earning 40 points. Rounding out the top three was the College of Central Florida who earned 93 points. Morgan Bitting led the Saints to victory with her first place finish. Vivian Brezler clocked in a new personal record while placing third overall. 

KEY STATS & NOTES

• In her collegiate debut, Morgan Bitting placed first in a time of 20:00.3, averaging a 6:26.3 mile.
• Bitting is Flagler's first VSU Border Clash individual champion.
• Of the seven freshman making their debut, six finished within the top-15.
• Since 2020 Flagler has competed in the VSU Border Clash four times. Placing first back-to-back years, the Saints have won the race three times, placing second in 2022.
• Senior Vivian Brezler set a new career record in the 5k during the cross country season. Brezler placed third overall in a time of 20:27.8. 
• Samantha Savinon-Rios of Valdosta State edged out Vivian Brezler for second place by .2 of a second.
• Flagler's 21 points is the lowest score the institution has accumulated in program history while competing at the VSU Border Clash.

UP NEXT
Flagler will head to Tallahassee, Florida for the FSU Pre-Regional on Sept. 18 at the Apalachee Regional Park.

CONNECT WITH THE SAINTS: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube
DOWNLOAD TEAM SCHEDULES: Download Center
FOLLOW YOUR FAVORITE SAINTS TEAM: Sign up for Newsletter