Good Marks at Both Classics

TEMPE -- Sophomore Nachelle Stewart led the BYU women’s track team in a successful trip to the Sun Angel Classic, and back in Salt Lake City Shanie Bushman and Cassandra Woodall both brought home first place marks in their events.

“We had a very, very good meet today,” BYU head coach Craig Poole said. “We are exactly where we want to be right now, and I expect some great marks by the time the Robison Invitational comes around.”

Stewart ran in the 800-meter premiere section at the Sun Angel and came away with a first place finish in a season-best 2:06.19. Sarah Edwards finished fifth in the race in 2:07.53 and Nicole Clark placed seventh in 2:08.11.

Junior transfer Porshe Giddings led the way in the sprint events. Giddings placed fourth in the 100-meters in a season-best 11.75 and followed that with a season-best 24.47 in the 200-meters to finish eighth.

In her first outdoor meet of the season senior Angela Wagner took first in the 1500-meter race in 4:30.18. Close behind Wagner was freshman Michaelanne Laurent who finished in 4:32.46 to finish second.

Sophomore Natalie Stewart ran well in her two outdoor events, the 200m and 400m. Stewart placed 13th in the 200m (24.78) and second among collegians in the 400m (54.26).

Also competing in the 400m was sophomore All-American Lacey Cramer. In her first quarter mile race this season, Cramer placed sixth in 55.72.

Tiana Illi found success in the shot put, finishing seventh with a toss of 13.36m (43-10.00). Fellow thrower Tipaleli Fotu also had a good showing, finishing sixth in the hammer throw with a throw of 53.42m (175-03).

Ada Robinson and Madara Dzable grabbed a pair of seventh place finishes in the high jump and triple jump, respetively. Robinson leapt 1.68m (5-06.00) and Dzable recorded a distance of 11.83m (38-09.75).

The 4x100m relay team of Giddings, Natatlie Stewart, Amy Otis and Ashleigh Jameson placed fourth in the meet with a season-best time o 46.01.

Back in Salt Lake City, Woodall won the shot put at the Utah Spring Classic with a toss of 13.84m (45-05.00). Woodall also placed fourth in the hammer throw with a distance of 46.27m (151-09.75).

Taking home the other first place finish for the Cougars was Shanie Bushman, who won the pole vault at a height of 3.65m (11-11.75).

Erica Shields took second in the long jump with a leap of 5.44m (17-10.25). She was followed closely by teammate Carly Allen who finished fourth at 4.93m (16-02.00).

Three Cougars finished in the top eight in the 100m dash. Emily Page (12.62) placed fifth, Katie Eddington (12.67) took seventh and Jasmine Bingham (12.73) nabbed eighth.

Freshman Melissa Manwill placed fourth in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:03.71.

“Our team is just doing very well right now,” Poole said. “We are progressing with each week, and will continue to improve.”

Poole and the women’s track team will be back in action next week, competing in three different meets. Primarily distance runners will compete at the Mt. Sac Relays, while other athletes will be sent to the Kansas Relays and the Utah State Invitational.