Lady Buccaneers Compete at Embry Riddle XC Classic

DAYTONA BEACH, FL, September 22, 2024 – The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) women's cross-country team competed in its first meet of the 2024 season, running in the five-kilometer Embry-Riddle Cross Country Classic in Daytona Beach, Florida.

With only two student-athletes lining up for the meet, the Lady Buccaneers were unable to receive a team score, but each runner received individual results.

Freshman Emma Alexander raced out to the front of the pack to open this three-mile race, setting the pace for all competitors. Alexander had what looked to be a promising start for the 5-foot-1 runner, however, an injury led to the incompletion of the course, giving her a "did not finish" (DNF) designation.

Sophomore runner, Gabrielle Quetel went the distance for the Lady Buccaneers crossing the finish line in a time of 35:35:5.

Head coach Dale Joseph spoke optimistically about his team after their first race of the season. "There were some bright spots, I see a lot of potential in the two young ladies that competed for us, my goal, however, is to get five runners on our active list to allow the team to score in the meets and build on the team aspect of the sport".

Seton Hall University won the meet with a score of 24 and a total time of 1:36:44 while averaging a time of 19:21 among their runners.

The Buccaneers will return to the competition on October 5, in the Ave Maria Invitational at North Park in Ave Maria, Florida.