LOS ANGELES—BYU's women throwers led the track and field team to a second place finish at the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner Kersee Invitational hosted by UCLA this weekend.

“I think the meet went well,” associate head coach Mark Robison said. “There were some amazing athletes and incredible competition. We didn't get any more regional qualifiers, but we still did some good things. I was pleased with how we competed.”

The women’s thrower squad dominated the loaded field. Martha Shepard finished in first place in the hammer with a mark of 53.67m, while teammates Deezbaa Whaley and Meaghan Heffelfinger finished in second and third place, respectively (53.61m, 51.84m).

Heffelfinger also finished in second place in the discus with a mark of 45.67m, while Whaley finished in third with a mark of 45.10m. Cherilyn Bunker finished in second place in the shot put with a mark of 14.05m.

Erin Murphy led the BYU high jumpers with a third place finish and a mark of 1.72m. Sophomore Rachel Stewart finished in second place in the 800m run with a time of 2:10.58. Kaylee Packham and Angela Shields finished in first and second place, respectively, in the 400m hurdles (1:00.73, 1:01.78).

None of the Cougars earned new qualifying marks for the regional meet this weekend but will continue their pursuit next weekend at the prestigious Mt. Sac relays in Walnut, Calif.  Full results from the meet at UCLA can be found at RunnerSpace.com. 

PROVO, Utah—The women’s track and field team will travel to Los Angeles this weekend to compete in the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational hosted by UCLA.

“There should be a lot of good competition this weekend,” BYU head coach Ed Eyestone said. “It’s a great opportunity for our sprinters, jumpers and throwers to make an impact. The biggest goal is to qualify for regionals.”

Cougar athletes still looking to earn qualifying marks include sprinter Arlene Gowar, high jumper Nicole Laws and high jumper Erin Murphy. Senior thrower Deezbaa Whaley has already qualified for regionals, but is looking to improve her placement.

In order to qualify for the regional meet, athletes have to finish in the top 48 in the event in the Mountain region. BYU currently has more than 30 athletes qualified for the meet collectively from the men’s and women’s teams.

UCLA and TCU will also competing in Los Angeles this weekend alongside the Cougars. Live results can be found at RunnerSpace.com