Gamecock Women Sweep Automatic Bids in Opening Round of Regionals

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 23, 2024) – Thursday’s opening round of the NCAA East Regional could not have gone any better for Gamecock Track & Field as the women sent eight competitors to the line and earned eight automatic spots into Saturday’s quarterfinal events.

Thursday began with Judy Kosgei in the 1500m opening round, finishing fourth in the third heat to earn the first automatic bid into Saturday’s quarterfinal race. The Kenya freshman clocked 4:23.68 to earn her spot. Just 30 minutes after Kosgei advanced, Cynteria James moved on in the 100m sprint, placing second in the second heat when she ran 11.33 (0.3), good enough for 13th overall.

Zaya Akins and Jahnile Registre both earned automatic spots in Saturday’s 400m quarterfinal race after placing top three in their respective heats. Akins finished ninth overall and second in her heat after running 52.42, while Registre sits 17th overall and third in her heat with a time of 52.96. Shortly after the duo etched their names into Saturday’s heat sheet, Sylvia Chelangat did the same in the 800m when she finished second in the sixth and final heat after running 2:05.28.

The women’s 200m saw all three Gamecocks earn automatic bids into Saturday’s quarterfinal race. JaMeesia Ford led Carolina in the opening round of the 200m sprint with a time of 22.62 (0.8) to win the fifth heat and sit third overall. Jayla Jamison finished second in the fourth heat with a time of 23.03 (1.1) to rank 10th overall, while Cynteria James finished third in the third heat to earn the automatic bid with a time of 23.34 (0.1) and sitting 22nd overall.

South Carolina is back in action tomorrow when the men look to add to the total of tickets punched to the NCAA Outdoor Championship in Eugene, Ore. The day will begin at 10 a.m. with Hannah Togami in the women’s pole vault, an event that was postponed today due to weather. The first men’s event for Carolina will be the high jump at 2 p.m., followed by the men’s 4x100m relay at 5 p.m.

Women’s Individual Results
100 Meters (First Round)
13. Cynteria James – 11.33Q (0.3)

200 Meters (First Round)
3. JaMeesia Ford – 22.62Q (0.8)
10. Jayla Jamison – 23.03Q (1.1)
22. Cynteria James – 23.34Q (0.1)

400 Meters (First Round)
9. Zaya Akins – 52.42Q
17. Jahnile Registre – 52.96Q

800 Meters (First Round)
25. Sylvia Chelangat – 2:05.28Q

1500 Meters (First Round)
31. Judy Kosgei – 4:23.68Q