The women's track and field team, paced by senior Betsy Keever, had a successful weekend at the Wake Forest Invitational in Winston-Salem this past weekend.
Keever was the highlight for Duke at the meet. The co-captain ran her 1,500-meter race in 4:33.27-a personal best by over six seconds-to win the event. Keever, participating in the fastest heat of the afternoon, was up against the toughest competition she has faced this outdoor season. With a lap to go Keever was in sixth place, but she used a strong finish to pull away from the rest of the field, including a runner from New Balance, whom she passed with 100 meters left.
"Betsy not only ran her fastest time, but she also ran her best tactical race," assistant coach Scott Yakola said. "She was where she was supposed to be at each split. Betsy's also a strong finisher, and if she uses that to her advantage, she will be able to do well in every race."
Senior Liz Hanly placed seventh in the same race with a time of 4:43, and sophomore Claire Butler won the second heat of the 1,500 meters, placing her 10th overall in 4:47.
Another Blue Devil who ran particularly well was sophomore Collette Gurtler, who completed her 800-meter race in a personal best 2:16. Although she ran well time-wise, both she and Yakola felt it was an "unsatisfying PR" because she did not run a smart race. Gurtler was in the wrong position to be able to move ahead, and was unable to run closer to the front, finishing fifth. Hanly and Keever also ran in the event, placing eighth and 10th, respectively.
Freshman Stephanie Thomas continued her impressive racing, qualifying for the finals of the 400 meters on Friday night, and then placing sixth overall on Saturday with a time of 58.59. Her finish was the second fastest time ever at Duke.
"Stephanie did a nice job all weekend," Yakola said. "She has done really well as a freshman."
In the relay events, the 4x100-meter relay, consisting of freshmen Tara Cyre, Kelley Martens, Misty Farrell and sophomore Kim Hay, placed seventh in 50.69. The 4x400-meter relay team of Thomas, Hay, Martens and sophomore Kim Voyticky placed eighth with a time of 4:00.86.
"They are very good times for this early in the year," Yakola said.
In the 400-meter hurdles, junior Kirsten Johnson had a strong race in the event, running 66.06 to place fifth in the trials. Unfortunately, Johnson was unable to run at the meet the next day, and therefore could not compete in the finals.
On the field, junior Jenny Stadler threw a personal best 122-8 in the javelin and sophomore Jamila Forte tied her personal best in the high jump with her 5-4.25 mark. Senior Megan Mitchell threw 38-3.5 in the shot put and 113-3 in the discus.
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