Cross Country Continues Podium Streak in South Bend
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Oct. 3, 2025) – South Carolina Cross Country competed in the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitational 5K in South Bend, Ind. for the first time since 2018 and secured the silver-medal finish, continuing their podium streak in 2025.
Salma Elbadra made her Gamecock Cross Country debut in commanding fashion, running 15:57.5 to finish third overall and claiming the second spot in program history. Closely following Elbadra was Abir Reffas, who placed sixth overall and ran a PR of 16:09.8, moving up to third on the all-time program leaderboard.
Seasoned runners Anya Arroyo and Teresa Cherotich were right on their heels, finishing 10th and 11th place overall, respectively. Arroyo pushed her personal best to 16:14.3 and Cherotich clocked in a new PR at 16:17.8 as the duo sit fourth and fifth on the program leaderboard.
Jade Buridon was the final scorer for South Carolina in the Blue Division, placing 18th overall with a new personal best of her own after running 16:41.4 to jump into sixth all time in Carolina history. Abigail White (16:59.6), Mary Frances Iseman (17:00.2), Cate Conklin (17:03.6) and Emma Torbert (17:12.1) closed out the race, each clocking in personal bests of their own and moving up the all-time leaderboard.
Nationally ranked Notre Dame, the host of the meet, came away with the team win after a 29-point performance. The Gamecocks sat comfortably in second at 47 points, while the bronze medalist, Boise State, turned in 108 points.
Trio Eline Mast, Allie Matasich and Hattie Jennings represented the Garnet & Black in the Open Division, placing sixth, seventh and 13th, respectively. Mast posted a time of 17:31.9, while Matasich improved on her collegiate best after running 17:35.8. Jennings crossed the line in 17:46.7.
The Gamecocks will close out the regular season on the road, heading to Tuscaloosa, Ala. to compete in the Crimson Classic on Friday, Oct. 17 at 10:20 a.m.
Team Results
1. Notre Dame – 29 points
2. South Carolina – 47 points
3. Boise State – 108 points
Individual Gamecock Results
Blue Division
3. Salma Elbadra – 15:57.5*
6. Abir Reffas – 16:09.8*
10. Anya Arroyo– 16:14.3*
11. Teresa Cherotich – 16:17.8*
18. Jade Buridon – 16:41.4*
38. Abigail White – 16:59.7*
40. Mary Frances Iseman – 17:00.2*
42. Cate Conklin – 17:03.6*
56. Emma Torbert – 17:12.1*
Open Division
6. Eline Mast – 17:31.9
7. Allie Matasich – 17:35.8*
13. Hattie Jennings – 17:46.7
* – denotes collegiate 5K PR
