BOCA RATON, Fla. - Nova Southeastern cross country came out swinging in its 2026 season opener Friday at the Keiser University Flagship Cross Country Invitational, putting the field on notice with a pair of podium team finishes and an individual victory. 
 
The men's team was powered by Marcus Marek Tortorella, who dominated the 5K field to capture the individual title in 15:17.97. Tortorella separated himself from the competition and crossed the finish line more than four seconds ahead of the runner-up. 
 
The Sharks continued to attack at the front of the field, placing three runners inside the top seven. Marc Gonzalez stormed to fifth in 15:33.17, while Andrew Youssef followed in seventh at 15:42.43. Seth Roque-Munoz finished 20th in 16:16.30, and Santiago Lara completed the scoring five in 36th in 16:56.76. 
 
NSU finished third overall with 69 points, establishing an immediate presence against a competitive field of runners. 
 
The women's squad answered with an equally strong performance, finishing second overall with 62 points. 
 
Isabella Grant led the charge, racing to a commanding third-place finish in 18:41.42. Alayna Stewart battled her way to sixth in 18:58.72, while Olivia Lumpkin secured 12th in 19:06.54. Briel Bechen added a 17th-place finish in 19:21.80, and Lauren Blyth closed out the scoring five in 24th at 19:43.61. Addison Mau and Bella Ascone also cracked the top 30. 
 
The season may have just started, but the Sharks wasted no time making their presence felt. With an individual champion, multiple top seven finishes and both squads finishing on the team podium, Nova Southeastern opened the year with confidence, depth and momentum. 
 
The Sharks will look to build on that opening statement when they return to competition September 11th at the Bobcat Invitational in Miami Gardens. 
 
To stay up to date on Nova Southeastern men's and women's cross country, follow the Sharks on X and Instagram @NSU_XCTF, or visit NSUSharks.com for the latest on rosters, schedules and more.