Purchase, NY - The University of Mount Saint Vincent's men's and women's cross country team opened their 2024 campaign on Saturday, competing in an eight-team race hosted by Skyline Conference rival Purchase College. Both teams had two runners finish in the top 20, with the men ranking fifth out of eight teams while the women ranked seventh. 

Grayson Valentino had an impressive collegiate debut for UMSV, finishing eighth among all male racers with a 34:09.3 time. Top returner Carlos Martinez, who is among the best racers in program history, completed the run with a 35:50.1 time. William Staack, Jake Luxoro and Rusbert Jimenez each finished within the top 50 of the 53 competitors. 

On the women's side, it was junior Serena Duran who led the way for her team, finishing 17th overall with 26:30.0 run time while Dayonna Thomas finished 20th. Sofia Marcos, Ella Meberg and Emma Radice rounded out the group of Dolphins competing at the Purchase invitational. 

The Dolphins will next compete in an event hosted by St. Joseph's University Long Island on September 21.