JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Edward Waters University women's cross country standout Alaysa Chipunov continues to make her mark on the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), earning SIAC Women's Runner of the Week honors for the second time this season following an impressive performance at the 2026 Sand Shark Invitational. 

Chipunov led the Lady Tigers in the women's 5-kilometer race at the Sand Shark Invitational, hosted by the University of South Carolina Beaufort at Sergeant Jasper County Park in Hardeeville, South Carolina. 

Competing against a competitive field of 73 runners, Chipunov turned in a strong performance, crossing the finish line in 21:18.3 to place 14th overall. Her top 15 finish paced Edward Waters and helped propel the Lady Tigers to a seventh-place finish in the team standings. 

Chipunov's performance highlighted another solid outing for the Edward Waters women's cross-country program as the Lady Tigers continued their preparation for the upcoming conference championship season. 

The latest weekly recognition marks Chipunov's second SIAC Women's Runner of the Week selection of the 2026 campaign, further solidifying her status as one of the conference's top distance runners. 

Her consistency throughout the season has provided a boost to the Lady Tigers, as she continues to lead the way against competitive fields while representing Edward Waters on the conference and regional stages. 

Chipunov and the Edward Waters men's and women's cross-country teams will return to competition on Friday, October 16, when they travel to Lakeland, Florida, for the Ed Holloway Classic, hosted by Florida Southern College. 

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