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Red and White compete in multiple meets

Melissa Maykut, Staff Writer

The Miami University women's track and field team had solid performances in three meets in three different states April 22 and 23.

The majority of the team competed in the Mississippi Open, while a handful of athletes participated in the Polytan Invitational. Three RedHawks competed at the Jesse Owens Classic, while another RedHawk ran as an unattached athlete.

"The highlight of the weekend was the group that went to the Mississippi meet," head coach Kelly Phillips said. "The girls had good weather and they really took advantage of it."

Freshman Ariel Johnson had a personal-best time of 12.22 seconds in the 100-meter dash, earning a 12th place finish. In the 200-meter dash, junior Diona Graves had a personal-best time of 24.42 seconds. It earned her 10th place and ranks her fourth in school history.

In the 100-meter hurdles, sophomore Layne Baggett and freshman Xerina Hughey finished ninth and 11th. Baggett had a season-best time of 14.14 seconds and Hughey had a personal-best time of 14.24.

In the 400-meter hurdles, redshirt freshman Ashley Zaper notched a 13th place finish with a personal-best of 1:03.97.

In field events, junior Sarah Kinnaman placed sixth in the pole vault with a season-best 3.57 meters/11-8.5.

Despite lightening delays at the Polytan Invitational hosted by Indiana University, freshman Tori Pattera kicked things off for the Red and White in the javelin throw. Pattera, Miami's record holder in the event, placed second.

Junior Hannah Tabler then placed 10th in the pole vault with a season-best 3.56 meters/11-8.

In the shot put, junior Alexandra Roberts finished fourth, while junior Samantha Gable placed sixth. Gable also finished sixth in the hammer throw and 11th in the discus..

At the Jesse Owens Classic hosted by Ohio State University, four 'Hawks ran the 1500-meter run. Senior Kelly Miller, who is red-shirting the outdoor season, placed second in the event. Senior Katie Lenahan placed fourth for Miami, finishing in a personal-best time of 4:30.18.

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The women's team will split up again, as some of the team will compete in the Gina Relays in Hillsdale, Mich. April 28 through 30. The remainder of the team will compete in Miami's second and final home meet of the season April 30 at George Rider Track.