Oregon State
Stanford Invitational
Track and Field Finishes Tough Competition at Stanford
April 07, 2012 | Women's Track & Field
April 7, 2012
PALO ALTO, Calif. – The Oregon State track and field team finished a tough two days of competition at the Stanford Invitational today with several athletes achieving season best times in their events.
The Oregon State track and field team competed against some of the best collegiate and professional athletes in the country. The Beavers were among competitors from top-25 programs including Stanford, Baylor and Arizona, and professional athletes sponsored by Nike and New Balance.
“Overall, it was not one of our better meets here,” head coach Kelly Sullivan said. “We've actually had some great meets at Stanford over the years. All we can do is rally ourselves. They are disappointed, but we have some things to work on and will be ready to compete again next weekend.”
Kinsey Gomez, Erin Jones and Aly Nielson all competed in the 5,000 meters for the first time this season. Gomez finished in 16th place in section five of the race with a time of 17:21.18. Jones and Nielson finished in 19th and 21st place with times of 17:32.18 and 17:41.75.
“That was a personal record for Gomez and was a pretty decent time in the 5,000 meters,” Sullivan said. “I think that Erin Jones also got a personal best so it was good to see that.”
In the 1,500 meters, Audrey Botti and Lacey London both achieved season best times in section seven of the race. Botti finished in sixth place with a time of 4:39.06 and London finished right behind her in seventh place with a time of 4:39.17.
“They both did really well,” Sullivan said. “London had a six or seven second personal record in just her second 1,500 ever. Audrey has been a little banged up the last couple of months so it is good seeing her get back into it.”
Emily LaValley competed in her second meet of the season in section six of the 1,500 meters. After leading her race at the beginning, LaValley became injured, but was still able to finish the race in 14th place with a time of 4:43.53.
Kristin Oenning competed in the high jump and placed seventh in her section of the event. She finished with a jump of 5-03.25. Taylor Hunt competed in the 800 meter run for the fourth time this season finishing in 10th place in section six with a time of 2:20.75.
“Kristin actually had a phenomenal jump at 5-05.00, but on her second or third attempt she accidentally knocked the bar off,” Sullivan said. “Even though she didn't get a personal record today, she cleared 5-0.500 a couple of times and looked really good, but she just didn't get a lucky bounce.”
The Beavers will return to action next weekend when they head to Monmouth, Ore. to compete under the lights at the John Knight Twilight on April 13.
Oregon State Results
5,000 Meters (Section 5)
16 Kinsey Gomez, 17:21.43
19 Erin Jones, 17:32.18
21 Aly Nielson, 17:41.75
1,500 Meters (Section 6)
14 Emily LaValley, 4:43.53
1,500 Meters (Section 7)
6 Audrey Botti, 4:39.06
7 Lacey London, 4:39.17
800 Meters (Section 6)
10 Taylor Hunt, 2:20.75
High Jump (Pit 2)
7 Kristin Oenning, 5-03.25
Players Mentioned
