Bethpage, NY - The Molloy University men's and women's cross country teams opened the 2026 season Friday at the Panthers XC Invite at Bethpage State Park, with both teams placing ninth. The women's team totaled 253 points, while the men's team recorded 270 points.

Senior Peter Bagattine led the Lions in the men's 8K, placing 58th overall with a time of 28:28.5. Freshman Kevin Fernandez made his collegiate debut, placing 70th in 29:25.0, while sophomore Anthony Baldasano followed in 78th with a time of 30:10.4.

Sophomore John Abad finished 84th in 31:01.7, while freshman Cristian Suazo made his collegiate debut with an 88th-place finish in 31:21.0. Freshman Daniel Dziurka rounded out the Lions' competitors, making his collegiate debut with a 100th-place finish in 32:21.6.

On the women's side, junior Carli Sheiffele paced Molloy in the 6K, finishing 51st overall in 25:51.5. Graduate student Alaysia Cobb followed in 53rd at 26:10.6, while freshman Keira McLaughlin made her collegiate debut with a 54th-place finish in 26:12.3.

Sophomore Martina Mileti finished 66th in 27:21.5, followed by sophomore Kate Mejia in 68th at 27:28.5. Freshman Olivia Grassi made her collegiate debut with a 77th-place finish in 29:42.8, while sophomore Melissa Joseph rounded out the Molloy runners in 82nd at 31:00.9.

The Lions will return to action next Saturday, Sept. 12, at the University of Hartford Invitational in Hartford, CT.