Chiang Dominates Border Clash as Manta Rays Shine in Georgia
Valdosta, GA – High temperatures and heavy humidity were no match for the blistering pace set by FSCJ Manta Ray Mei Chiang at the Border Clash Cross Country Invitational on Friday at Freedom Park. Chiang led from start to finish, crossing the line an impressive 18 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.
She was backed by strong efforts from teammates Sydney Fallin, Ava Banks, Ellie Cardozo, and Lauren Hughes, who completed the top five finishers for the Manta Rays. Cardozo delivered a thrilling final 100 meters, using a textbook kick to surge past two competitors and secure valuable team points.
On the men's side, Benjamin Hale led the charge, finishing just ahead of teammate Cole Fleming, who followed only seven seconds later. Freshman Aiden Taggart made a notable debut, scoring in the No. 3 position. Spencer Middleton and David Beasley—racing in only his second-ever cross country meet—rounded out the top five scorers. Their collective effort earned the men a 4th-place team finish out of 22 competing schools.
The women's team secured a strong 6th-place finish, bolstered by Chiang's commanding win and Cardozo's late-race heroics.
"We saw a very dominant performance by Mei Chiang against some highly competitive programs," said head coach Jody Hale. "Ellie's kick in the last 100 meters was outstanding, and I can't believe this was only David Beasley's second cross country race ever."
The Manta Rays will return to action this Saturday at Embry-Riddle University in Daytona Beach, FL, where they'll take on what's widely regarded as the most challenging cross country course in the state.
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