Women's Cross Country . September 1, 2023

Judy Kosgei Sets Program Record in Season-Opening Meet

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Sept. 1, 2023) – The dawn of the new era got off to an impressive start as South Carolina’s freshman runner Judy Kosgei set a new Gamecock Cross Country record in the 5K, running 16:52.6 to win the individual title at the 2023 Eye Opener. Kosgei’s efforts guided South Carolina to a fourth-place finish in the season-opening meet.

Kosgei, a native of Kenya, ran the program’s first ever sub-17-minute 5K, besting the previous program record of 17:03.6 held by Meredith Mill (2013).

Gabby Gait-Smith was the second fastest Gamecock, running a new personal best 17:57.3 for the 12th-best time in Gamecock history. The South Africa native finished 15th overall, earning 12 points for the Garnet & Black.

Freshman runner Hattie Jennings was the third scorer for Carolina, clocking 18:20.6 in her first collegiate race to place 23rd overall, earning 19 points. In addition, Jennings secured the 36th-fastest mark on record for the Gamecocks.

Ella Zeigler and Sofie Kurzawa rounded out the top five scorers for the Gamecocks, finishing 30th and 31st respectively. Zeigler clocked 18:30.1 to claim 25 points, while Kurzawa was right on her heels in her collegiate debut, running 18:30.9 for 26 points.

Furman captured the team title with 25 points, followed by Clemson in second with 58 and Liberty finishing one point ahead of the Gamecocks with 82 points for third place.

South Carolina will return to action on Friday, Sept. 15 when the Gamecocks host the Gamecock Challenge at Charwood Golf Club. This will be the site of the 2023 SEC Cross Country Championship.

Team Results
1. Furman – 25 points
2. Clemson – 58 points
3. Liberty – 82 points
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4. South Carolina – 83 points

Individual Gamecock Results
1. Judy Kosgei – 16:52.6*
15. Gabby Gait-Smith – 17:57.3*
23. Hattie Jennings – 18:20.6*
30. Ella Zeigler – 18:30.1
31. Sofie Kurzawa – 18:30.9*
32. Lily Weeks – 18:31.3*
33. Hope Dominique – 18:34.2
35. Anna Boyd – 18:38.5
36. Maria Lombardi – 18:39.6*
41. Claudia Satzke – 18:44.6*
48. Sylvia Chelangat – 19:04.0*
49. Molly Parker – 19:04.2*
50. Jenna Pellizzari – 19:04.9*
52. Molly Joseph – 19:08.0*
55. Sarah DiVasta – 19:17.8*
59. Ally Wilson – 19:22.9*
71. Anya Arroyo – 19:42.6*
75. Emma Torbert – 19:49.9*
83. Grace Zamrowski – 20:03.1*
87. Katerina Hendrix – 20:08.3
99. Brooke Donoghue – 20:39.3
112. Sarah Neville – 21:08.4