TALLAHASSEE, Fla (September 29, 2023) - The FIU women's cross country team put together one of its most impressive regular season performances in years Friday, taking third of 35 teams at the FSU Invitational. 

RESULTS

With a number of athletes competing for the first time this season, the Panthers showed no rust as they surged to the top three of the team leaderboard in the women's 5K. Valerie Lastra, who transfered into the program from UCF, led FIU with a fifth-place overall finish of 17:30, a 13 second personal best for the former American Conference Freshman of the Year. Lorena Bartakovic followed behind with a 17:54 to place 13th, while Andrea Loizidou (18:13), Ane Martin Del Campo (18:22), and Ania San Roman Lopez (18:43) rounded out the top five. 

On the men's side, the Panthers were led by freshman Ryan Jones, who crossed the line in 27:35. Joseph Coyle (27:55), Dennis Moreno (27:55), Jeshua Osorio (28:19), and Josh Webster (28:31) were the other scoring runners for FIU - a tandem of three freshman athletes in the top five. 

"We're really pleased all around to travel here to a respected meet and show the progress we have made," said head distance coach Jermaine Felix. "Now we can turn our attention to the Crimson Classic and prepare for a great race before the conference championships." 

The Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa will take place on Friday, October 13. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
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