University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
Duel in the Valley
Asheville Defeats Western Carolina in Duel Meet
08.29.2025 | Cross Country
BRYSON CITY, N.C. - The UNC Asheville cross country program kick-started its 2025 season with the Duel in the Valley meet against Western Carolina University this Friday (Aug. 29). A total of 25 Bulldogs competed around the Kituwah Mound, with four Bulldogs making their collegiate debuts.
Asheville was victorious in both sections, scoring 17 points vs. 38 (women's) and 23 points vs. 32 (men's).
The women's 3k race set off at a controlled pace, with the whole Bulldog pack coming through the one-mile mark together, before the race started to string out and the pace dropped at the front. Aneta Kučerová dropped the hammer at 800 meters to go, crossing the line first in 10:43. Hot on her heels was freshman Marika Dickel, who finished second in 10:44.
The men's 6k race followed suit, with the Bulldogs working together through the first two miles before a breakaway group led by Jan Málek started to push the pace. In a tight sprint finish, Málek crossed the line in a winning time of 18:56. He was closely followed by fellow Junior Tadiyos Sloan-Westmoreland in third place at 19:07.
Women's results
So. Aneta Kučerová - 10:43Fr. Marika Dickel - 10:44
Gr. Alison Graf - 10:50
So. Addi Corl - 10:50
Jr. Isabel Richardson - 10:52
Sr. Sophie Lundin - 11:09
So. Nikole Baikova - 11:13
Jr. Ella Moore - 11:15
So. Ashley Keazer - 11:17
Jr. Lauren Sochia - 11:23
Fr. Grace Thompson - 11:32
So. Payton Murphy - 11:43
So. Ella Warren - 12:12
So. Eva Weaver - 12:47
Men's results
Jr. Jan Málek - 18:56Jr. Tadiyos Sloan-Westmoreland - 19:07
Jr. Jonas Roach - 19:12
Fr. Bennett Moreno - 19:19
Sr. Quinn Jacquez - 19:20
Fr. Asher Roach - 19:23
Jr. Lance Surles - 19:24
Gr. Yates Hockaday - 19:27
Gr. Sam Hulsey - 19:39
Sr. Preston Core - 20:45
Jr. Jaheem O'Hara - 21:35
The Bulldogs will next take to the course on Sept. 13 for the Furman Invitational, hosted by Furman University.
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Players Mentioned
