Grand Rapids, Michigan - The women's track and field team returned to action on Saturday afternoon with a trip down the East Beltline to the Calvin Knight Invitational. The Saints battled the competition and some cold and windy conditions at the Gainey Athletic Complex. Despite less than ideal conditions the Saints tallied a school record, two automatic qualifying efforts, and many event wins. 

Maelie Hope had a huge breakthrough in the hammer throw and bettered the previous school record by ten feet. Her toss of 184-1 eclipses the previous best mark held by AQ legend, Emily Smith. The effort automatic qualifies her for the National Championships and is currently the third longest throw in the NAIA.  Alexis Furgason also punched her ticket to Nationals as her jump of 5-7 won the high jump competition. She currently is sixth in the NAIA and her mark ties her for #2 on the Saints All-Time.  Ava Iverson also had a big day as she set a personal best in the pole vault (11-3.75).

On the track the Saints would pick up event wins in the 1500 and 5000 meters. Lauren Wooer won the 1500 meters with a personal best of 4:42.51.  She would later team up with Jaben Bakker, Alex Dumont and Amber Koole to place second in the mixed 4x400 meter relay.  Anna Tubbergen would claim the top spot in the 5000 meters with a time of 19:50.57.

The Saints next competition will be this upcoming weekend at GVSU.