Cross Country Secures Gold in Regular Season Finale

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Oct. 17, 2025) – South Carolina Cross Country closed out the regular season with a bang, claiming gold at the Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Gamecocks ran the 5,868 meter race and earned their second team win of the season, pushing their podium streak to four consecutive meets.

Salma Elbadra continued to dominate at the front of the pack, running 18:40.3 to claim the overall win, edging out second place by 15 seconds. The next Gamecock to cross the finish line was Teresa Cherotich, finishing fourth with a time of 19:31.3.

Anya Arroyo and Abir Reffas rounded out the front pack, finishing in sixth and seventh place with times of 19:32.0 and 19:42.2, respectively.

Abigail White was the final scorer for South Carolina, placing 12th overall with a time of 20:12.4. Jade Buridon was right on her heels, finishing in 20:12.6 for a 13th place finish. Hattie Jennings also had a top 20 performance, clocking in at 20:34.7.

South Carolina, ranked 26th in the USTFCCCA National Rankings, pulled off the upset against the host and 13th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, turning in 30 points for the gold. No. 25 Tulane followed with the silver-medal finish, turning in 85 points, while Alabama came away with 101 points.

The Gamecocks will kick off postseason competition in Knoxville, Tenn. at the SEC Cross Country Championships on Friday, Oct. 31.

Team Results 
1. South Carolina – 30 points  
2. Tulane – 85 points
3. Alabama – 101 points

Individual Gamecock Results 
1. Salma Elbadra – 18:40.3
4. Teresa Cherotich – 19:31.3
6. Anya Arroyo– 19:32.0
7. Abir Reffas – 19:42.4
12. Abigail White – 20:12.4
13. Jade Buridon – 20:12.6
20. Hattie Jennings – 20:34.7
25. Allie Matasich – 20:45.1
27. Emma Torbert – 20:48.3
51. Eline Mast – 21:24.0
— Sofie Kurzawa – DNF