KEENE, N.H. (August 30, 2025) – The UMass Boston men's and women's cross country teams opened the 2025 season with a full-team showing at the Keene State Alumni Meet, highlighted by senior Shea Roche (Weymouth, Mass.), who claimed first place overall in the women's two-mile.
Women's Team – 4th of 5 (84 PTS)
Roche finished first out of 53 total competitors to lead the Beacons' group of 10 runners. She clocked an 11:52.40 to open her season with a new personal record. Senior Jacqueline Earner (Abington, Mass.) followed in 17th with a time of 13:12.69, while first-year Molly Hilditch (Auburn, Mass.) placed 19th in her collegiate debut.
Also competing were returners Kylee Browning (Attleboro, Mass.), Abigail Churchill (Attleboro, Mass.), Abigail Schell (Boston, Mass.), Kelsey Cruz (Salem, N.H.), and Aryianna Garceau (Dalton, Mass.). Browning and Schell joined Roche in recording personal bests to open the 2025 season.
Men's Team – 4th of 5 (98 PTS)
First-year Micah Groff (Beverly, Mass.) led the Beacons with a standout collegiate debut, placing fourth overall out of 55 competitors in the men's five-kilometer race. He crossed in 16:24.56. Senior Rob Cannon (Quincy, Mass.) and sophomore Skye Roberts-Clarke (Boston, Mass.) followed in 14th and 15th, each setting new personal records. Cannon finished in 16:57.64, while Roberts-Clarke ran 17:05.52.
Also competing for UMass Boston were Melvin Wiltshire (Boston, Mass.), Justin Riley (Weymouth, Mass.), and Noah Gendenbien (Lisbon, N.Y.).
Coaches' Corner
Head Coach Ozzie Brown and Associate Distance Coach Lauren Bunke reflected on the squad's performance after the opener.
Coach Brown said, "Today was a great day for the women. Led by Shea Roche and her first win of the year! Our average time was much better than last year which shows how much she has improved."
"With just two returners competing, our men's team showed a lot of grit. Micah Groff's fourth-place finish was a big highlight, and it feels like the program is starting to turn the corner."
Coach Bunke added, "I'm really proud of how the group showed up today and their growth in such a short time! One thing we've been focusing on is the power of belief – believing in themselves and each other when they're running hard as a team." She concluded, "I'm excited about the culture we're building and knowing this is just the beginning!"
What's Next
UMass Boston cross country will return to action on Saturday, September 6, at the Trinity Bantam Invitational in Hartford, Conn.
– FOR THE TIMES –
