The Massachusetts Maritime women’s cross country team looks to lead the pack in the race for the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference title this fall, and as Head Coach Elizabeth Sullivan continues her preparations for the upcoming campaign, the second year mentor has tabbed a pair of upperclassmen to serve as the Buccaneers’ co-captains this season.

Senior Kaylene Murphy (Randolph, Mass./Ursuline Academy) will serve in the captains’ role for a second straight year in 2017, and she is joined in that leadership position by sophomore Jill Ethier (Portsmouth, R.I./Portsmouth).  Sullivan, a former standout at Massachusetts Maritime, describes the duo as “extremely dedicated leaders who are committed to sustained excellence in competition and in the Maritime community.  They have been incredibly positive role models for their teammates through their inspiring work ethic, and they will both continue to guide our program on a successful course.”

Murphy, who also serves as co-captain of the Buccaneer softball team, recorded a 10^th place individual finish and helped lead her squad to its first team title at the Lt. Travis J. Fuller Invitational last October alongside the Cape Cod Canal.  Ethier also recorded a top 20 performance for Sullivan’s squad in the Fuller Invitational, as she and Murphy helped Massachusetts Maritime post four top eight performances in team competition last fall.

The Buccaneers begin their new season on Saturday, September 9^th by heading to Biddeford, Maine to compete at the University of New England Invitational at 10:45 a.m. EDT.