Gamecock Women Face Off in NCAA East Regionals Opener

Gamecock Women Battle the Elements at NCAA East Regionals: A Day of Triumph and Tenacity

Jacksonville, Fla. (May 29, 2025) – The South Carolina Gamecocks faced a fierce showdown with both their competition and the elements at the NCAA Track & Field East Regional. Amidst unpredictable weather conditions, the women’s team showcased incredible determination, securing seven advancements to Saturday’s quarterfinals. In a splendid display of athletic prowess, two male shot-put throwers also clinched their tickets to the NCAA Championships in Eugene.

Dominance on the Track: Sprinters Shine Bright

Salma Elbadra led the way for the Gamecocks, making a remarkable entrance by winning her heat in the 1500 meters with a blistering time of 4:13.35. This impressive performance not only secured her a spot in the quarterfinals but also marked the seventh-best time in the round.

Following closely behind, Cynteria James and JaMeesia Ford took to the 100 meters, finishing fifth and fourteenth respectively. James powered her way to a season-best time of 11.05 (1.8), claiming runner-up in heat two, while Ford clocked in at 11.23 (1.7), earning her automatic qualifier in heat six.

400 Meters: A Force to Be Reckoned With

Next up was sophomore sprinter Zaya Akins, who displayed her competitive spirit by advancing in the 400 meters. Akins finished second in her heat with a solid time of 51.56, securing the ninth spot overall.

A Clean Sweep in the 200 Meters

The women’s team continued their dominant streak in the 200 meters, sweeping all heats. Ford once again proved her mettle, winning the first heat with a time of 22.74 (-1.1), carrying the fastest time into Saturday’s quarterfinals. Jayla Jamison followed suit in heat two, achieving a season-best of 22.80 (-0.8) for third overall. Rounding out the sweep, James captured the sixth heat in 23.09 (-1.1), placing ninth on the leaderboard.

Weather Woes: Pole Vault Postponement

Amidst the fierce competition, inclement weather intervened, forcing the pole vault event featuring Hannah Togami to pause. Togami will resume her attempt at clearing 4.09m (13-5) tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m., after successfully clearing the opening height of 3.94m (12-11) on her second try.

Men’s Shot Put Success: A Trip to Eugene

In a thrilling twist, CJ Licata and Dylan Targgart both earned their spots in Eugene after a delayed shot put event originally scheduled for yesterday. With Licata throwing an impressive 20.25m (66-5.25) for second place and Targgart following with 19.08m (62-7.25) for eighth, both athletes are looking forward to defending their titles at the NCAA Championships.

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow’s High Stakes

As the excitement builds, the South Carolina men’s team gears up for their final opportunities to secure spots at the NCAA Outdoor Championship tomorrow, participating in six events starting with the men’s triple jump at 2:30 p.m..

Women’s Individual Results: A Snapshot of Success

• 100 Meters (First Round)

  • 1. Cynteria James – 11.05Q (1.8)
  • 1. JaMeesia Ford – 11.23Q (1.7)

• 200 Meters (First Round)

  • 1. JaMeesia Ford – 22.74Q (-1.1)
  • 1. Jayla Jamison – 22.80Q (-0.8)
  • 1. Cynteria James – 23.09Q (-1.1)

• 400 Meters (First Round)

  • 1. Zaya Akins – 51.56Q
• 1500 Meters (First Round)
  • 1. Salma Elbadra – 4:13.35Q

Men’s Individual Results: Shining Bright in Shot Put

• Shot Put
  • 1. CJ Licata – 20.25m/66-5.25q
  • 1. Dylan Targgart – 19.08m/62-7.25q

The Gamecocks continue to impress and inspire, fighting hard against adversity at the NCAA Regionals. Stay tuned as they aim for further triumphs on the road to Eugene!