The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) women's cross-country team competed in its first meet of the 2024 season, running in the five-kilometer Embry-Riddle Cross Country Classic in Daytona Beach, Florida.
With only two student-athletes lining up for the meet, the Lady Buccaneers were unable to receive a team score, but each runner received individual results.
Freshman Emma Alexander raced out to the front of the pack to open this three-mile race, setting the pace for all competitors. Alexander had what looked to be a promising start for the 5-foot-1 runner, however, an injury led to the incompletion of the course, giving her a “did not finish” (DNF) designation.
Sophomore runner, Gabrielle Quetel went the distance for the Lady Buccaneers crossing
the finish line in a time of 35:35:5.
Head coach Dale Joseph spoke optimistically about his team after their first race of the season. “There were some bright spots, I see a lot of potential in the two young ladies that competed for us, my goal, however, is to get five runners on our active list to allow the team to score in the meets and build on the team aspect of the sport”.
Seton Hall University won the meet with a score of 24 and a total time of 1:36:44 while averaging a time of 19:21 among their runners.
The Buccaneers will return to the competition on October 5, in the Ave Maria Invitational at North Park in Ave Maria, Florida.
About UVI Athletics
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a member of the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), formerly the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Entering the 2024-25 season, the Buccaneers will begin their 18th season of athletic competition. As the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the Caribbean, UVI currently sponsors six sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. For more information on UVI Athletics, visit UVIAthletics.com.
