Bethpage, N.Y. - Lucia Kutner kicked off the cross country season with a bang on Friday, racing to an individual third place finish with a personal best time at the 2024 Panthers XC Invitational. 

Kutner's top-three finish (19:46.90) led the way for Adelphi women's cross country to place third as a team, behind East Stroudsburg and Molloy. 

"The ladies worked really hard this summer in training, but it's a different mindset in racing," commented Head Coach Katie Rees, who enters her 15th season in 2024. 

Also earning recognition for her top-15 finish was sophomore Maya Suarez, who clocked in at 20.40.8 which stands as a PR on the Bethpage State Park course. 

Newcomer Karen Jackson rounded out the top-three 'Cats with her 21.56.4 finish, which was good enough for 21st in the field. 

"Our home meet is a great way to shake off the new year nerves and I'm excited to see how much they can grow this season as a group."

The Panthers will race again on Saturday, Sept. 21 when they compete at UMass Dartmouth.