CARY, N.C. (Sept. 19, 2025) – South Carolina Cross Country took part in the Adidas XC Challenge 5K in Cary, N.C. for the first time since 2019 and came away with the bronze-medal finish in just the second meet of the season. The Gamecocks have now podiumed in each of the first two meets.
Teresa Cherotich led the charge in yet another meet, running a new personal best time of 16:35.9 to place fourth overall. Cherotich’s new PR now sits second all-time on the program leaderboard. Junior veteran, Anya Arroyo, was right on her heels with a personal best mark of 16:37.9 to finish seventh on the individual leaderboard and third in program history.
Newcomer, Abir Reffas, made her anticipated debut for the Gamecocks and did not disappoint with an 11th-place finish, running 16:57.4 for a personal best time and sitting fifth in program history. Jade Buridon, a freshman runner from France, made her collegiate debut on Friday night and was able to cross the finish line in 17:18.9 for a Top 20 finish. Additionally, Buridon’s time now ranks 10th in South Carolina history.
Emma Torbert was the final scorer for South Carolina on Friday, placing 28th overall with a new personal best of her own after running 17:29.7 to jump into 15th all-time in Carolina history. Abigail White added a personal best of her own, clocking 17:31.5 to finish right behind Torbert for 29th overall on the individual leaderboard and 17th in program history.
The host squad, N.C. State, came away with the team win after a 38-point performance which was led by Hannah Gapes who ran 16:01.8 for the solo victory. The Wolfpack were followed by their rivals from Chapel Hill as North Carolina scored 62 points to edge the Gamecocks by one after South Carolina turned in 63 points.
The Garnet & Black will return to action on Friday, Oct. 3 when South Carolina hits the road to South Bend, Ind. to compete in the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invite. The meet is scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m.
Team Results
1. N.C. State – 38 points
2. North Carolina – 62 points
3. South Carolina – 63 points
Individual Gamecock Results
4. Teresa Cherotich – 16:35.9*
7. Anya Arroyo – 16:37.9*
11. Abir Reffas – 16:57.4*
20. Jade Buridon – 17:18.9*
28. Emma Torbert – 17:29.7*
29. Abigail White – 17:31.5*
31. Cate Conklin – 17:38.4
40. Hattie Jennings – 17:53.8
42. Allie Matasich – 17:57.1
44. Sofie Kurzawa – 17:58.9
51. Eline Mast – 18:02.7
74. Mary Frances Iseman – 18:49.5
80. Sinead Joyce – 19:02.7
* –…