MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – The Meredith College track & field team turned in a well-rounded and competitive showing this weekend at the Adidas Trojan Challenge, hosted by the University of Mount Olive. The Avenging Angels were highlighted by event victories and top-five finishes.
On the track, Meredith's sprinters battled windy conditions in the 100 meters, with freshman
Angel Southerland leading the way in 13.47, followed closely by senior
Natasha Elder in 13.64. Elder returned in the 200 meters to post a team-best 27.54, while
Halona Bryant (28.46) and Southerland (28.54) added solid performances.
Bryant also made an impact in the hurdles, advancing to the finals of the 100-meter hurdles and finishing eighth overall in 17.38 after a 17.17 effort in prelims. Bryant's performance in the preliminary round set the new school record in the event.
The middle distance and distance group once again proved to be a major strength for the Avenging Angels. In the 800 meters, freshmen
Juana Silva Jimenez (2:31.46) and
Abigail Davis (2:31.55) placed fifth and sixth, respectively, leading a deep Meredith lineup that saw multiple athletes gain valuable race experience.
That momentum carried into the 1500 meters, where Silva Jimenez (5:04.11) and Davis (5:05.91) placed fourth and sixth, continuing their consistent performances this season.
Meredith dominated the 3000-meter steeplechase, claiming the top two spots. Junior
Carly O'Toole captured the event title in 14:05.59, while sophomore
Elisabeth Modlin followed as runner-up in 15:08.06, giving the Angels a commanding presence in the distance events.
The team also found success in the relay, as the quartet of
Natasha Elder,
Kaia Ramsey,
Juana Silva Jimenez, and
Abigail Davis combined to win the 4x400 relay in 4:33.60, showcasing strong teamwork and finishing speed.
In the field events, freshman
Jane Gray Zechini led the way with a second-place finish in the pole vault, clearing 2.29 meters (7'6"). In the throws, Meredith saw steady performances across the board.
Jamie Cornatzer led the shot put with a mark of 10.55 meters, while
Athena Mowatt added a 10.19-meter effort. Mowatt also placed seventh in the javelin with a throw of 27.06 meters, leading the team in that event.
Freshman
Finley Sparks contributed across multiple throwing events, including a team-best 29.77 meters in the discus and a 20.22-meter mark in the javelin. Cornatzer also paced the team in the hammer throw with a distance of 36.20 meters.
The Avenging Angels are back on the track at the VertKlasse Meeting hosted by High Point University
on April 2nd and 3
rd.
