Jan. 16, 2016
Full Results
BOISE, Idaho - The Nevada Wolf Pack finishes their weekend in Boise, Idaho with a strong showing in all events, including five first-place victories and 20 top-five finishes.
The weekend started well with junior Nicole Wadden taking the high jump during her pentathlon competition. As the meet shifted into day two, Nevada competitors continued to do their part with sprinters, mid-distance runners, distance runners and jumpers all claiming top-five spots in their events. While Nevada placed well individually, team scores will not be available until Sunday or Monday.
"It was great start to the new year," said head coach Shantel Twiggs. "We still have work to be done, but the future looks bright."
The morning started strong in the sprint races, with Nevada qualifying for four spots between the 60 meter dash and the 60 meter hurdles. In the hurdles, junior Fiyin Olusola placed third with a time of 8.79 seconds and sophomore Alexandra Tierney took fifth clocking in at 9.1 seconds. The closest and fastest race of the afternoon came in the 60 meter dash, where sophomore Makeya White missed out on a victory by a sliver of .01 seconds.
Alison Powers continued her dominance of the pole vault with a victory this afternoon. The senior vaulted 12 feet and 9.5 inches in her win. Success was also found in the triple jump as sophomore Brittany Graves finished in first, leaping 38 feet and 11.7 inches. Sophomore Dezirae Pennington found fifth place with 36 feet and 8.5 inches. Junior Leah Carter (fourth) and Senior Kinsey Minter (fifth) both placed in the high jump with a height of 5 feet and 8.5 inches.
"I felt like the high jumpers did really well," said assistant coach Scott Williamson. "There's definitely some areas we need to clean up as we prepare for more strenuous competition in the Mountain West though."
Distance was Nevada's strongest category of the day. The Wolf Pack claimed victory in both the mile run and 3000 meter. In the mile, senior Caitlin Devitt-Payne took first with a time of 4:54.18. Following closely behind her were seniors Emily Myers and Erika Root, who ran for a new personal record. The big story of the 3000 meter was Meagan Wood claiming her first ever collegiate victory, finishing the race in 10:26.36. Sophomore Alaina Anderson was able to battle out three other close racers for fourth place.
"It felt really good because coach told me I could do it," Wood said. "but there was always a little doubt in my head. It's a good self confidence boost."
The track & field squad will head back to competition in Seattle on Jan. 29 and 30.
