Brookeville, N.Y. - Adelphi University's women's cross country squad delivered a strong season-opening performance at the LIU Fall Festival on Saturday morning.

Competing in the 5K team event, the Panthers claimed second place overall, posting a combined team time of 1:46:16.8 and a team score of 51.

Adelphi showcased both veteran leadership and promising new talent as five Panthers placed within the top 20:

• Lucia Kutner (SR) set the tone for Adelphi, finishing 8th overall in 20:35.7 (6:38 pace).
• Caleigh Hopkins (JR) followed closely behind in 11th place, clocking 20:59.3 (6:45 pace).
• Maya Suarez (JR) secured 12th place in 21:14.7 (6:50 pace).
• Krystal Patel (FR) impressed in her collegiate debut, finishing 14th with a time of 21:33.6 (6:56 pace).
• Christina Sakellis (FR) rounded out Adelphi's scoring five, crossing 16th in 21:53.3 (7:03 pace).

Additional contributors included Caroline D'Andrea (FR) at 22:27.2, Karen Jackson (SO) at 22:45.5, and a pack of underclassmen gaining valuable early-season experience.