Women's Track & Field Compete at Hamline Invite

 
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A little wind and rain didn't stop the Bethany Lutheran women's outdoor track & field team from competition on Wednesday afternoon. The Vikings competed in the annual Hamline Invite held at Klas Field.

Rain was most definitely a factor at the Hamline Twilight, but the women made a huge step forward as a team and individually. "The positives from this meet very much outweighed any negatives and it was great to see many school and personal records drop for so many of our student-athletes," stated Head Coach Michael Dunn.

In the first event on the track, Morgan Sauer fought the rain in the 3000m Steeplechase and started her season off in the event with nearly a 20 second personal record!

Lydia Hildebrandt performed at an all-time best in the open 400m breaking the school record by over .5 seconds, with a 60.52! She led a trio of Vikings who all had phenomenal performances in the 400m. Kayla Norris had a lifetime best as well breaking 66 seconds for her first time, 65.40. Brianna Soutthivong rounded out the trio of 400m runners with a gritty performance in a time of 62.97. "These three women really rocked the track today and I am so proud of them for focusing on the task at hand."

Megan Sauer and Kirsten Elyea both finished their 1500m with top 10 performances. "Being able to drop from a 10,000m competition only 2 weeks ago to these mid-distance events is really showing their range of skill level and this early into outdoor they are both performing at a high level, that is nice to see."

Possibly the performance of the day came from Brittany Moldstad in the 5,000m. She finished with over a one minute personal record and jumped all the way to number 8 on the all-time list in the 5K, 21:47! "Brittany is starting to realize her potential as a distance runner and I am thrilled to see her perform so well week in and week out."

Rounding out the evening on the track, the women's 4x400m relay team ran an 8 second school record! The team was made up of Anna Lieske, Brianna Soutthivong, Megan Rutt, and Lydia Hildebrandt. "These women were in a very competitive heat with some of the best of what our region has to offer, including two University of Minnesota Teams. These women keep pushing their limits and they are not done yet."

"So many performance today were all-time bests and a lot of great things transpired throughout the meet for our team. I am very proud of our athletes for using this meet as one to get after and also build from."

Next Saturday, the Vikings will compete at the Carleton Relays with potentially a few athletes competing in the Kansas Relays.  For complete meet results, click here. 

To stay current with Vikings athletics this season, continue to visit www.blcvikings.com and follow @BLCvikings on Twitter.
   
MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Lucas Herd at 507-344-7856 or email lucas.herd@blc.edu.