University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Sparks Sorlein Invitational
Track Season Begins At Sparks Sorlein Invite
January 14, 2011 | Women's Track & Field
Jan. 14, 2011
KINGSTON, R.I. - The UMass women's track and field team opened up the indoor season this Friday at the Sparks Sorlein Invite, which was hosted by the University of Rhode Island. The meet was not scored, but several Minutewomen won their respective events and several qualifying marks were met for both the New England and ECAC championship meets.
In the 1000 meters, Senior captain Gina Perno took the gold with a time of 2:54.79, qualifying for both the New England Championships and the ECAC Championships. Sophomore Courtney Baldwin placed fourth in the event with a time of 3:05.09.
Newcomer and junior Chrissy Silvar set the fifth highest all-time mark at UMass in the pole vault with a height of 10-11.75 and a second place finish.
Qualifying for the New England Championships in the triple jump was Stephanie Aguguo, who placed first with a mark of 38-11.00.
Also winning an event was sophomore Michelle Jenssen, who won the 400 meter dash with a time of 59.63. Freshman Andrea Saccardo finished fourth in the event by crossing at 1:03.33.
In the mile, Karen Roa (5:02.93) and Elizabeth Fisk (5:14.22) had respective finishes of second and fourth. Roa's time of 5:02.93 qualified her for the New England Championships in February.
Taking second in the 500 meter dash and qualifying for the New England Championships was freshman Sarah Bittermann, who crossed at 1:19.05. Lauren Stocker took first place in the 3000 meters with a time of 10:46.79.
In the 800 meters, Claire Pettit (2:19.64) placed second while Melody Lam (2:27.78) finished fifth.
The UMass 4X400 meter relay squad (Jenssen, Saccardo, Erika Unger) finished second with a time of 4:05.25 while sophomore Nalis Mbianda had a toss of 43-09.25 in the shot put, good for second place overall.
Rounding out the top performers for the Minutewomen were Rebecca Banker (5-03.00) and Sarah Plesh (5-01.00), who placed first and third respectively in the high jump.
UMass will be back in action next Friday, Jan. 21 at the Great Dane Invitational in New York, N.Y. The meet will begin at 12:30 p.m.
