LAKELAND, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle women's cross country team opened the 2025 season with a third-place finish at the Swan City Cross Country Classic on Saturday. The Eagles showed a mix of veteran leadership and promising newcomers while competing in rising heat as the day's second race.

Junior Taylor Roth surged in the second half of the race after running with the lead pack through the first 1,600 meters. She pulled away to win by seven seconds, setting a program record with a time of 14:09.6 and improving on her eighth-place finish at the event in 2024.

Freshman Cristina Soto turned in a strong debut, finishing 14th after an aggressive start. Four Eagles placed within 16 seconds of each other to round out the team's scoring: Soto (14th), Charlotte O'Brien (16th), freshman Leanna Rogers (18th) and graduate transfer Zara Zervos (22nd).

"This was a really strong start for the women. Our returners all ran better this year than last year," head coach Mike Rosolino said. "The newcomers showed us why this women's team has the potential to be the fastest in school history. This will be a great confidence boost for them to build on as we prepare for bigger, more important races later in the season. I'm really proud of this group and look forward to big things from them."

Up next
The Eagles are back in action Saturday, Sept. 13, hosting the Embry-Riddle Cross Country Classic in Daytona Beach, Fla.