Cross Country Finishes Second In Season Opener

Saturday, August 31

Memphis, Tenn.

9:20 PM

Mississippi State

City Auto Memphis Twilight XC Classic

Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics

Cross Country Finishes Second In Season Opener

September 01, 2024 | Cross Country

By: Jhordyn Stallworth, Fellow/Communications

MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Mississippi State's cross country team took home second at the City Auto Memphis Twilight XC Classic Saturday night.

"Tonight was a good overall showing from our women's team!" head coach Chris Woods said. "To start a year off with a top 3 team finish, while having 5 out of our 6 six racers be sophomores or younger is a good sign, it means the young ladies were working hard over the summer and they are ready to showcase all of their hard work. I am pleased with our senior, Gracie Gibson for the guidance she was able to provide to such a young group tonight. I know Coach Erinn has been dedicating a lot of time and energy to ensuring that our women's cross country team Improves our conference and regional placements from last year, tonight's showing is a great first step. I hope we can pull some confidence from tonight's competition and increase intensity as we prepare for our next meet."

State was led by sophomore Gabrielle Boulay, finishing third in the 5k with 17:47.82, shaving 45 seconds off her previous personal best, in addition to a career-high finish. In her collegiate debut, Morgan Grace Sheffield ran 18:05.41 finishing fifth. Both athletes led the pack for State for the entirety of the race.

Freshman Kaitlyn Burge was the next fastest athlete for MSU, finishing 14^th at 18:48.94 for her collegiate debut. On her heels was Sophomore Trinity Holland, running a 5k personal best of 18:57.40 in her second collegiate race.

Rounding out the lineup was Reese Terza making her cross country debut after redshirting in the 2023 season, followed by veteran runner Gracie Gibson. The team scored 64 points, second only to conference rival Ole Miss.

Individual Results:
3. Gabrielle Boulay – 17:47.46
5. Morgan Grace Sheffield – 18:05.51
14. Kaitlyn Burge – 18:48.94
18. Trinity Holland – 18:57.40
27. Reese Terza – 19:23.27
35. Gracie Gibson – 19:54.03

Team Results:

Ole Miss – 25 pts.
Miss State – 64 pts.
Arkansas State – 97 pts.
Mis. Tenn. State – 104 pts.
North Alabama – 142 pts.
Tennessee-Martin – 153 pts.
Memphis – 186 pts.
Freed-Hardeman – 208 pts.
Evangel – 244 pts.
TAMU-Commerce – 285 pts.
Calhoun CC – 296 pts.
Ozarks (Ark.) – 331 pts.
Pellissippi State CC – 380 pts.
Lyon – 381 pts.

The Cross Country team is set to compete at The Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Alabama, on September 13.

For more information on the Mississippi State track and field program, visit HailState.com and follow "HailStateTF" on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.