Lakehawk Cross Country at Embry-Riddle Classic

September 14, 2025

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Cross Country) – The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) cross country teams were back on the course over the weekend at the Embry-Riddle Cross Country Classic. Competing in a field of NCAA Division I and II and NJCAA member schools, the Lakehawk men took fifth overall while the women came in sixth.

In the men's race, Spencer Palmer continues to set the tone, finishing 16^th indivually and second among NJCAA runners with a time of 28:04.9. Elijah Palmer followed with an 8K time of 29:22.8.

Thatcher Clarke came next with a time of 30:21.5, finishing 10^th among NJCAA runners. Issa Isasaku added to the Lakehawk's scoring lineup at 30:48.0 while Bryce Blalock ran within 30 seconds of his personal best with a time of 31:00.4.

"This was only our second race, and the guys handled a touch, hilly course with determination. Spencer and Elijah both competed well up front, Thatcher showed big improvement from last year, and our talented freshmen are gaining valuable experience learning the 8K," said head coach Cristy Snellgroves.

"We are learning with each race, and I like the direction this group is headed."

The Lakeahwk women stepped into the race and battled to a sixth-place finish despite racing without two of the team's top-five and another still working back to full strength.

Oksanna Smith led the way with a strong 22:34.5 performance, placing 28^th overall and 10^th of NJCAA athletes. Neelyanis Lugo Ramos followed Smith closely in 23:37.4, while Sade Lee clocked a time of 24:33.2.

Maria Alicia Oliveira made her collegiate debut at 24:33.9. Rounding out the scoring lineup was Abigail Hersh at 25:15.3 and Amaya Mitchell at 26:45.9.

"The course was hilly and touch, but it gave us great preparation for the weeks ahead. Oksanna set the tone for us, and Sade has shown incredible growth from last season."

"Our freshman are already making an impact, and as they gain more experience, they will keep raising the bar. Once everyone is healthy and back in the lineup, this team has potential to do something really special," said Coach Snellgroves.

The Lakehawks will be back in two weeks at the Seminole Invite at Apalachee Region Park in Tallahassee, Fla. This race will serve as a preview for the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Cross Country Championships on Oct. 24.

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Final Results – Women

Oksanna Smith – 22:34.5

Neelyanis Lugo Ramos – 23:37.4

Sade Lee – 24:33.2

Maria Alicia Oliveira – 24:33.9

Abigail Hersh – 25:15.3

Amaya Mitchell – 26:45.9

Avery Adkins – 32:28.9

Isabella Zamudio – 39:36.5

Olivia Royal – 41:53.9