FARMINGTON, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington women's cross country team opened their 2025 season in dominant fashion on Saturday morning, sweeping the top seven spots en route to a first-place finish at the Beaver Invitational. The meet also marked UMF's first official home cross country race in more than 15 years.

Beaver Runners

The Beavers were led by junior Lina Martinez Nocito (Mt. Vernon, Maine), who was the clear frontrunner from start to finish. Martinez Nocito posted a stellar time of 20:14.8, nearly a full minute ahead of teammate Eve Poteet (Fairhill, Md.), who finished second. Martinez Nocito averaged 6:31 per mile over the course.

Poteet, kicking off her senior season on a high note, crossed the line in 21:08.1, averaging 6:48 per mile.
First-years Dellaney Flower (Farmington, Conn.), Abby Dumont (Windham, Maine), and Kaylee Johnston (Bangor, Maine) claimed third, fourth, and fifth, finishing just 22 seconds apart. Flower clocked in at 22:28.1, Dumont followed in 22:40.4, and Johnston finished in 22:55.4.

First-year Loralie Grady (Windsor, Maine) and junior Abby MacDonald (Bangor, Maine) rounded out UMF's sweep of the top seven. Grady finished sixth in 23:46.6, with MacDonald just behind at 23:51.0.

Also turning in strong performances for UMF were Annie Spurr (Lewiston, Maine), Monica Lewis (Windham, Maine), Alayna Marchessault (Thomaston, Maine), and Hannah Perkins (Livermore, Maine). Spurr placed 11th in 25:08.9, Lewis 13th in 26:58.1, Marchessault 16th in 28:10.6, and Perkins 18th in 29:21.2.
The top finisher for the Owls was Milaya Buchanan, who placed 12th with a time of 25:48.7.

Up Next

After a weekend off, UMF will return to action at the Maine State Championship, hosted by Bowdoin College on Saturday, September 20.