PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore cross country team held their home turf on Saturday (Sept. 22), earning three top ten finishers during the Eastern Shore XC Invite. Both sides completed the meet in third place.

"I'm pleased overall. It was a great meet." Hawks coach Damion Drummond said. "We should a lot of heart and dedication. It was also good to see our mid-distance athletes battle for top spots with the frontrunners."  

Junior John Akakeya (Staten Island, New York) sprinted past junior Hector Cime (Parksley, Virginia) on the final stretch of the 8K course. Akakeya was rewarded with a fourth place finish of 27:29.60, while Cime took fifth place in 27:30.30.

The women's side was led by senior Neus Quinonero (Valencia, Spain), who earned a time of 20:03.10 to come in ninth during the 5K.

Other top performers included sophomore Ngoy Yamitshi (Germantown, Maryland), who finished 13th with a time of 28:56.30. Freshman Arianna Krcik (Pasadena, Maryland) ran the 5K in 21:57.80 to finish 22nd, and senior Luan Gabriel (Roseau, Dominica) placed 23rd, one second behind Krcik.

After the meet, the Hawks honored seven senior athletes and support staff. Quinonero and Gabriel were honored, along with Judah Corriette (Roseau, Dominica), Lenneisha Gilbert (Miami, Florida), Stanley Meli (Eldoret, Kenya), Donovan Mundy (Jacksonville, Florida) and manager Prisca Nasson.

"We are proud of our seniors and thank them for all their efforts." Drummond said. "It was great to celebrate their achievements one more time before they move on to their future careers."

The Seton Hall Pirates won both the men's and women's meets. Runners from Howard, Hampton, Delaware State, Morgan State, Coppin State, Bowie State and the University of the District of Columbia also competed.

Maryland Eastern Shore will head to WinterPlace Park next Saturday (Sept. 29) for the Don Cathcart Invitational, hosted by Salisbury University.