FGCU XC: FAU Invitational Recap

The FGCU men's and women's cross country programs capped off their season-opening meet Friday night at South County Regional Park. The men's side took home second overall while the women's team placed fifth.

"The first meet is under our belts," said head coach Cassandra Goodson. "Just like any competition, there were a few things that we are happy with and a few things we learned about our team today. It's very early in the season so we're looking forward to getting back to the Nest and getting to work." 

Junior Lucas Kiprotich led the men's group coming in ninth overall as sophomore Austin Redondo was right on his heels coming in 11th. Junior Boniface Mutai followed him in 13th while senior Jan Figueroa placed 15th. The final runner to score and give the Eagles 52 points was newcomer, freshman Benjamin Hermiston who crossed right after Figueroa in 16th. Eagles continued to cross the end line with sophomore Bradyn Ricca posting a time seven seconds faster on this course from a year ago for 17th place as Bryce Bell (Orlando, Fla./Lyman HS) was just milliseconds behind placing 18th.

On the women's side, sophomore Emily O'Connor was the first runner to score for FGCU placing 14th overall. The 28-29 spots went to the Eagles as classmates Jillian Felton and Julia Filip followed one another. Filip turned in a time nearly one minute faster on this course one season ago. With three Eagles now in the books, freshman Gianna Citarella placed 32nd as junior Madeline Wyers scored coming in 38th to give FGCU 125 points.

Just like Citarella, freshman Reilly Ritter got a taste of her first collegiate race crossing the finish line 44th overall.

Up Next:
The Eagles will return back to the course next Saturday, Sept. 7 to host the FGCU Invitational taking place at the Buckingham Property which is also the site of the 2019 A-SUN Championship.

Men's Individual Results
9. Lucas Kiprotich –16:05.63
11. Austin Redondo – 16:07.88
13. Boniface Mutai – 16:15.96
15. Jan Figueroa – 16:27.20
16. Benjamin Hermiston – 16:27.96
17. Bradyn Ricca – 16:31.51 (seven seconds faster than 2018)
18. Bryce Bell – 16:31.95

Women's Individual Results
14. Emily O'Connor – 19:51.52
28. Jillian Felton – 20:28.34
29. Julia Filip – 20:29.39 (one minute faster than 2018)
32. Gianna Citarella – 20:56.95
38. Madeline Wyers – 21:36:39
44. Reilly Ritter – 22:16.99

Men's Teams
1. Stetson – 20
2. FGCU – 52
3. FAU – 81
4. Nova Southeastern – 119
5. FIU – 129
6. Ave Maria – 150

Women's Teams
1. FAU – 32
2. UCF – 76
3. Nova Southeastern – 110
4. FIU – 117
5. FGCU – 125
6. Miami – 139
7. Stetson – 145
8. Ave Maria – 178