Hartford, CT — The Molloy University men's and women's cross country teams competed at the University of Hartford Invitational on Saturday at Keney Park. The women finished fifth out of 10 teams with 141 points, while the men placed eighth out of 11 teams with 208 points.

Senior Peter Bagattine led the Lions in the 5K, finishing 20th overall with a career-best time of 16:52.4. Bagattine improved upon his previous 5K best of 18:49.9, set at the 2025 Hartford Invitational. Sophomore John Abad also recorded a career-best, placing 68th in 18:33.4 after previously running 19:14.5 in his collegiate debut at Hartford last season. Freshman Kevin Fernandez followed in 46th place at 17:42.0 in his first collegiate 5K, while sophomore Anthony Baldasano placed 53rd in 17:52.7. Junior Gabriel Adimoolah rounded out Molloy's scoring five in 80th place at 18:57.9. Freshman Daniel Dziurka finished 83rd in 19:01.0, followed by freshman Zion Granberry in 101st at 20:37.7 and freshman Fredi Castro in 104th at 20:55.9.

Junior Carli Sheiffele paced the Lions in the 3K, placing 19th overall with a career-best time of 12:12.3. Sophomore Anelisa Fulgieri also posted a career-best, finishing 32nd in 12:36.3 after previously running 13:12.3 in her collegiate debut at Hartford last season. Freshman Olivia Grassi followed in 29th place at 12:33.5 in her first collegiate 3K, while freshman Keira McLaughlin finished 30th in 12:34.5 in her first collegiate 3K. Sophomore Martina Mileti rounded out Molloy's scoring five in 38th place at 12:49.3. Sophomore Kate Mejia recorded a career-best with a 44th-place finish in 12:56.2, improving on her previous 3K time of 14:52.5. Sophomore Melissa Joseph finished 40th in 12:51.6, followed by senior Alaysia Cobb in 51st at 13:32.1 and junior Sophia Michaels in 67th at 14:29.7.

The Lions will return next Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Purple Valley Invitational in Williamstown, MA.