The Daytona State women's cross country team kicked off the 2020 season with a runner-up placing at the Florida Horse Park Invitational in Ocala, Florida.  Lead by sophomore Sara Mott, the Falcons placed second out of seven junior college teams from the state of Florida.  After several delays due to heat and thunderstorms that left heavy humidity in the air and a wet, slow course, Mott placed sixth overall in a field of 44 runners and ran a time of 22:43 for the 5000 meter distance.  She was followed by freshman Caitlyn Norfolk (Matanzas HS) who place seventh with a time of 22:59.  "The race had to be delayed due to the high heat index, and then the rain storm came in and just made this course somewhat slow." Coach Judy Wilson said.  The Falcons placed five runners in the top 15 in the field.  Freshman Julia Uvalle (Bishop Moore HS) placed 11^th with a time of 23:40, freshman Nathaly Abastida (St Cloud HS) was 13^th with a time of 24:01, and freshman Angel Khrino was 14^th with a time of 24:09.  Abigail Koshiol (DeLand HS) another freshman finished 28^th with a time of 26:43. 

"We went a little too fast and did not settle in when we should have.  Each race is a learning experience, so we will evaluate and move on."  Wilson said.  The Falcons have a young team for the 2020 season with one sophomore and seven freshman.  Wilson sees a bright future in this group.   "They are starting to get into a rhythm with college classes and running.  It can be a big adjustment for some.  And after our 2019 team placed second academically in the country, the challenge is there to keep up that high academic standard we have set."