GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville University women's cross country team raced to a fifth-place finish overall at the 2017 Mountain Dew Invitational, hosted by the University of Florida, Saturday morning at the UF Golf Course.

"We have taken an intentionally conservative approach to the start of our 'racing' season, in hopes of being at our very best in late October," stated Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Ron Grigg. "Today the women ran as a pack of six for the first mile at 6:15 pace, then they were told to accelerate the pace as they desired. It was great to watch the team climb through the field. While it wasn't perfect, it was a good step for this time of year. As a whole, we will look to get back to training and the plan is for 'full racing effort' in two weeks at FSU."

Redshirt-senior Caitlin Marino led the Dolphins and finished 17th overall in 18:30.0, while senior Kyla Siemens was the next JU runner to cross the line in 18:45.3 (23rd).

Junior Nora McUmber, redshirt-senior Michelle Howell, and sophomore Mary Jeanne Assinzo all finished within 18 seconds of each other. McUmber placed 45th in 18:45.3 and Howell finished 50th in 19:15.9. Assinzo crossed the line in 19:27.8 for 62nd.

Newcomer Nicolette Worrell rounded out the Dolphin contingent closely behind Assinzo in 19:31.0 to place 68th.

The Dolphins return to action Friday, Oct. 6 when they travel to Tallahassee for the FSU Invitational at 7 a.m.