The FIU Women's Cross Country team placed 17th at the NCAA South Regional Championships, finishing just one point behind a tie-break for 15th and regional ranking to close the season. 

The Panthers were led by a strong three-pack, with Sherilene Gelderblom completing the 6K course first for the Panthers in a time of 22:17.8 for 73rd place. Brittany Watson followed behind, crossing the line in 22:24.2 in 78th place, a twenty-six spot improvement from last season's finish. Anais Da Silva concluded her season moments later, crossing in 22:27.6. 

"Sherilene did a good job of leading that pack and helping guide them through the race," said head distance coach Jermaine Felix. "I'm really proud of all of them. We were so close to that 15th spot - but we're excited for the indoor season and will bring the same mentality moving forward." 

The Panthers finished with 462 points, with Samford and Chattanooga both at 461. Samford placed 15th after the tiebreaker. However, with the exception of FSU and Florida, who finished first and second, the Panthers placed ahead of every other competing Florida school. 

Jessica Gray came through in 23:04, and Rahel Gebretsadik finished in 23:43, rounding out the scoring for the Panthers. It was a seven spot improvement at Regionals for FIU, who finished in 24th last season at this meet in Tuscaloosa. 

"There was a lot of improvement throughout the season," said Felix. "We're in good spirits, and excited for indoor coming up." 

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