Two Slippery Rock women’s track and field athletes reached marks that put them in the top-10 of NCAA Division II athletes at the Raleigh Relays last weekend.
Senior Julia Cain recorded the fifth best pole vault clearance with a 3.75 meter clearance. Cain earned fourth place at the event.
“I’ve been really working for 13 feet (approx. 3.96 meters),” Cain said. “I know with my training I’m capable of getting this height. As long as I continue training, eating properly and have my coaches and teammates to support me, I’m confident that this goal will come easily.”
Cain’s performance was complemented by that of junior Janine Powis, who ran a time of 2:13.74 in the 800-meter run to record the seventh best time in Division II. Powis finished 14 in an event full of Division I athletes.
“Janine has improved all season long,” head coach John Papa said. “She has been more consistent in workouts. She is a determined racer and she and Julia both look to improve their standing in the PSAC and at the Division II national level.”
The two-day event brought 12 PSAC marks on day one and six on day two.
Junior Angelica Bagwell qualified in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 11:38.82.
In the 5,000-meter run, sophomore Jenny Picot ran a time of 17:47.86, senior Kara Styles ran a 17:49.82 and junior Shannon Byerly recorded a time of 18:36.33.
Three Rock athletes met qualifying marks in the 100-meter dash.
Sophomore Jasmine Bailey ran a 12.40 and was followed by junior Katelyn Wetzel at 12.45 seconds and sophomore Emily Moroco at 12.58 seconds.
“Even though the team members have changed from year to year, our team bond is consistent,” Cain said. “Without supporting each other, I doubt any of us would have reached the marks we have.”
Freshman Ava Bonetti threw for 40.34 meters in the discus and 12.27 meters in the shot put. Senior Allyson Hubble also hit standard in the shot put with a throw of 11.17 meters.
Sophomore London Parris recorded a time of 1:06.94 in the 400-meter hurdles.
The 4×800-meter relay team of Bagwell, sophomore Creanna Martin, freshman Lauren Harvey and freshman Kaylee Haberkam combined for a time of 9:50.19 to place 28 in the event.
Senior Dilshani Madawala recorded a mark of 11.11 meters in the triple jump to meet standards.
After concluding their tour of the Carolinas, the men’s and women’s outdoor track and field teams prepare to host their own meet this weekend at the Dave Labor Invitational.
Spring seems to have decided to bring itself to Pennsylvania and the teams anticipate training and competing in the conditions.
“We’re looking for consistent performances from those that have already qualified for PSACs,” Papa said. “Our home track and field is good for many of our athletes because they’re familiar with the facility. If the weather is somewhat nice, we could see several national-caliber performances.”
The Dave Labor Invitational is set to begin at noon Friday with the field events first, followed by the track events at 2:30 p.m.
