Asheville, North Carolina - The women's track and field team began competition today at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The three day meet is being contested on the campus of UNC-Asheville. The Saints battled through the rain, lightning, weather delays, scorching heat and some quality competition on day one of the championships.
The Saints competed in four events and were led by the performance of
Maelie Hope in the hammer throw. Hope, the school record holder in the event, placed fifth our of 27 competitors to claim her fourth All-American honor in her career. She recorded her top throw on her fourth attempt (181-1).
Madison Rempalski used a personal best in the prelims of the 1500 meters to advance to Friday's final. A strong last 800 meters led to a 4:34.22 effort from Rempalski. She wold later team up with
Lexi Hurst,
Ella Koons, and
Lauren Wooer in the women's 4x800 meter relay. The quartet combined to run a 9:12.46 to finish 13th in the preliminary round.
Aquinas also had
Lindsey Strutz competing in the women's heptathlon. She is currently in fourth place with 2,961 points after day one. Her marks included: 100 m hurdles (15.40), high jump (1.63 m), shot put (11.87m), and 200 meters (26.58). She will resume competition today with the long jump, javelin, and the 800 meters.
Brian Langlois will also compete for the men's squad in the prelims of the 3,000 meter steeplechase on Thursday afternoon.
