Shaw and El-Zein Triumph at SWAC Fall Championship: A Complete Recap

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October 5, 2025

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The bethune-Cookman University Women’s Tennis team completed its participation in the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Fall Tournament on Saturday. The two-day competition took place at the Bulldog Tennis Courts on the campus of Alabama A&M in Huntsville, Alabama.

Tournament Highlights

saturday’s action saw the Bethune-Cookman doubles team of jalayah Shaw and Zahara El-Zein competing in the semifinals. they faced Victoria Linkovski and Helen Hernandez from Jackson State, following a first-round bye. The Wildcats duo ultimately fell with a score of 8-5.

singles Competition

In singles play, Sophomore Zahara El-Zein engaged in a hard-fought three-set match against Sofia Sotelo Raya of Alabama A&M, with scores of 6-4, 2-6, and 0-6. meanwhile, Jalayah Shaw faced a straight-set defeat against Alabama State’s Cleanne Pickel, losing 2-6 and 4-6.

Head Coach Chris Wollett praised his players’ efforts. “I thought Zahara El-Zein and Jalayah Shaw competed well in the tournament,” Wollett commented, acknowledging their performance throughout the event. he highlighted El-Zein’s challenging match, noting the physical toll of a lengthy first set. “Zahara’s match was an absolute battle as her opponent had a very similar style of play,” wollett stated. “She did a great job of winning the first set, but it lasted over an hour, which really took a toll on her legs.”

Practice Challenges and Future Outlook

The Wildcats have encountered difficulties in maintaining a consistent practice schedule.Due to unfavorable court conditions at Derbyshire Park and inclement weather in Central Florida, the team hasn’t been able to practice together at their home facility since the start of the fall season.Despite these challenges, Wollett remains optimistic about Shaw’s development. “after Jalayah lost the first set,she did a great job of adjusting her strategy for the second set,” he noted,adding,”The 3-6 score does not reflect how close the games really were.”

The team will next compete in the Stetson Fall Tournament,scheduled for October 31 through November 3 in DeLand,Florida. This will mark their second appearance in an event hosted by Stetson this fall, following their participation in the Stetson Invite #1 last weekend.

Player	Event	result
Jalayah Shaw & Zahara El-Zein	Doubles Semifinal	Lost 8-5 to Jackson State
Zahara el-Zein	Singles	Lost 6-4, 2-6, 0-6 to Alabama A&M
Jalayah Shaw	singles	lost 2-6, 4-6 to Alabama State

did You Know? women’s collegiate tennis has seen a 15% increase in participation rates over the last five years, according to the NCAA, reflecting growing interest in the sport.

Pro Tip: Maintaining hydration and proper nutrition is crucial for tennis players during tournaments, especially in warmer climates. Consistent fueling helps prevent fatigue and optimize performance.

What are your thoughts on the Wildcats’ performance at the SWAC Fall tournament? Do you believe the practice limitations considerably impacted their results?

The Importance of Fall Tennis Tournaments

Fall tennis tournaments serve as crucial preparation for the spring season, allowing players to refine their skills, assess their fitness levels, and gain competitive experience. These events often focus on individual play, providing valuable opportunities for players to develop their strategies and build confidence before team competition begins. Historically, strong performances in fall tournaments frequently enough correlate with success during the regular season.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bethune-Cookman Women’s Tennis

• What is the meaning of the SWAC Fall Tournament? The SWAC Fall Tournament provides a platform for players to compete individually and gain experience before the team-based spring season.
• what challenges is the Bethune-Cookman team currently facing? The team is facing challenges related to consistent practice opportunities due to court conditions and weather.
• Where is the next tournament for Bethune-Cookman Women’s Tennis? The next tournament is the Stetson Fall Tournament in DeLand, Florida, from October 31st to November 3rd.
• Who is the Head Coach of Bethune-Cookman Women’s Tennis? The Head Coach is Chris Wollett.
• How can fans follow Bethune-Cookman Tennis? Fans can follow the team on Twitter @Catstennis and Instagram @bcutennis.
• What strategies are effective for players during a long tournament schedule? Strategies include adequate hydration, proper nutrition, and sufficient rest.
• Does individual performance in fall tournaments affect team standings? While fall tournaments are individual events, strong performances can build confidence and momentum for the team in the spring season.

Share this article and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

What time did Khalil Shaw finish the men’s 8k race?

Championship Overview & key Highlights

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Fall Championship concluded on October 4th, 2025, with standout performances from Jackson State’s Khalil Shaw and Prairie View A&M’s Layla El-Zein. The championship, held at the Cross Country Course at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, showcased intense competition across men’s and women’s cross country. This recap details the key moments, individual achievements, and team standings from the event. The SWAC championship is a crucial stepping stone for qualifying teams and individuals for the NCAA regional and national championships.

Men’s Cross Country: shaw Secures Individual Title

Jackson State’s Khalil Shaw dominated the men’s 8k race, finishing with a time of 24:15.7. This marks Shaw’s first individual SWAC championship title.

* Top 5 Men’s Finishers:

1. Khalil Shaw (Jackson State) – 24:15.7
2. Devin Jackson (Texas Southern) – 24:32.1
3. Marcus Williams (Alabama State) – 24:48.9
4. Jamal Thompson (Prairie View A&M) – 25:01.2
5. Elijah Jones (Southern) – 25:15.5

Team Standings (Men’s):

1. Jackson State – 48 points
2. prairie view A&M – 62 points
3. Alabama state – 75 points
4. Texas Southern – 98 points
5. Southern – 112 points

jackson State’s consistent performance across all five scoring runners secured their team victory. This is their second consecutive SWAC Men’s Cross Country Championship. The team’s strategic pacing and strong finishing kicks proved decisive.

women’s Cross country: El-Zein Claims Championship Crown

Prairie View A&M’s Layla El-Zein claimed the women’s 5k title with an impressive time of 17:38.2. El-Zein led from start to finish, demonstrating remarkable endurance and speed. This victory solidifies her position as a top contender in the SWAC.

* Top 5 Women’s Finishers:

1. Layla El-Zein (Prairie View A&M) – 17:38.2
2. Aaliyah Williams (Alabama State) – 18:05.9
3. Jasmine Davis (Jackson State) – 18:12.4
4. Brianna Johnson (Texas Southern) – 18:20.7
5. Kyla Johnson (Southern) – 18:28.1

Team Standings (Women’s):

1. Prairie View A&M – 51 points
2. Jackson state – 68 points
3. Alabama State – 72 points
4. texas Southern – 95 points
5. Southern – 108 points

Prairie View A&M’s well-rounded team performance earned them the women’s team championship. Their ability to pack runners together throughout the race was a key factor in their success.

Notable Performances & Rising Stars

Beyond the champions, several athletes delivered noteworthy performances.Devin Jackson of Texas Southern secured a strong second-place finish in the men’s race, showcasing his potential for future success.Aaliyah Williams from Alabama State consistently improved throughout the season, culminating in a second-place finish in the women’s race.Keep an eye on these athletes as they prepare for the NCAA regional championships.

Championship Course & Conditions

The Cross Country Course at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff presented a challenging yet fair course for the athletes. The course featured a mix of terrain, including grass fields, wooded areas, and rolling hills. Weather conditions were favorable, with cool temperatures and minimal wind, contributing to fast times. Course maps and elevation profiles were available to athletes prior to the event, allowing for strategic race planning.

Looking Ahead: NCAA Regional Championships

The SWAC Fall Championship serves as a qualifier for the NCAA South Central Regional Championships, scheduled for November 11th, 2025, in College Station, Texas. The top finishers from the SWAC championship will represent their universities at the regional meet, vying for a spot in the NCAA National Championships. Training will now intensify for these athletes as they prepare for the next level of competition. Key training focuses will include speed work, endurance building, and recovery strategies.

SWAC Cross Country: Historical Context

The SWAC has a rich history in collegiate cross country, producing numerous All-Americans and NCAA qualifiers. Historically, programs like Jackson State, Prairie View A&M, and Alabama state have consistently been competitive within the conference. The championship has been instrumental in fostering athletic talent and promoting sportsmanship among SWAC member institutions. The conference continues to invest in cross country programs to enhance their competitiveness on a national scale.