Women's Indoor Track Posts Strong Performances At Smith Winter Classic

Northampton, MA --- Junior Mara Kralian (N. Grafton, MA) and freshman Christy Deininger (N. Attleboro) each won their respective events with a pair of ECAC qualifying times to help lead the Lancers in their season opener at the Smith Winter Classic.

Kralian posted first in the 55 meter dash (7.51) as she also placed third in the long jump (16-11.25) to qualifying for the Division III New England Championships. Deninger clocked a blistering time of 9.01 in the 55 meter hurdles.

Sophomore Steph Muse (Chelmsford, MA) was right behind Deninger, as she stamped her ticket to the DIII's with a time of 9.17. Muse also cleared 8-04 for third place in the pole vault.

First-year Hannah Werneth (N. Yarmouth, ME) captured first in the shot put for a DIII qualifying distance of 37-06 as sophomore Erin Donohue (Saugus, MA) took the top spot in the mile run (5:39.48).

The 4x200 relay team of Kralian, Deninger and junior teammates Nicki Lemelin (Beverly, MA) and Sarah Rafferty (Uxbridge, MA) posted a time of 1:50.52 for top finish.

Third-year Maura Withington (W. Palm Beach, FL) notched second in the mile (5:34.28) and third in the 800 (2:38.80) while Amanda Holden (Lunenburg, MA) impressed as she took third in the 55 meter hurdles (9.23) and fourth in the triple jump (31-10.75).

Holden along with freshman classmates Megan Taylor (Danvers, MA) and Kristen Wilson (Tewksbury, MA) also knotted the third-best height in the high jump (4-09.75).

Freshman Kelsey Cartwright (Bridgewater, MA) also tallied third in the 3,000 with a time of 11:25.29 to help pace the distance runners. Freshman Alison Hickey (Easton, MA) was the top Lancer finisher in the 600 (1:46.47) as she finished fifth overall.

Rafferty and first-year Heidi Bezemes-Turner (Beverly, MA) notched fourth (28.09) and seventh (28.96) in the 200, respectively, while Lemelin added sixth in the 55 (7.72).

In addition to Werneth's strong finish, the throwers were paced by senior Christina Bisbee (N. Attleboro, MA) who tossed third in the weight throw (39-05) as sophomore Kristen Brunelle (Dracut, MA) placed fourth in the shot put (35-01.75) and seventh in the weight throw (32-10.25).

First-year Gaby Gonet (Agawam, MA) wrapped up her afternoon with fourth in the pole vault (8-00.25).

Next week Worcester State continues their season at the Harvard Open Invitational.