AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's cross country team is set for the upcoming Royals XC Challenge.

The Pacers are coming off a fourth-place effort at the Akiah McMillan Invitational. 

Rookie Tess Studley continued her outstanding season, taking 11^th place at the meet. Fellow newcomer Taylor Joop garnered an 18^th-place effort as well. 

Amiayah Smith turned in a great mark, placing 21^st at the meet.

"We are excited about running at the Royal Challenge as it will give us an opportunity to run against the best competition we will see all season," head coach Marshall Leonard stated. "The talent level at his meet will be high and it will challenge us and give us an opportunity to perform at a high level. The ladies have been working hard at practice and it has started to transition towards their performances."

The meet consists of over 50 schools, including Division I and Division II institutions. The Pacers compete Friday at 3:30 p.m.